David Robbins and Ron Bland
Recorded
July 10, 2024
39:55 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
dde001756
Description
Teacher David L. Robbins (70) speaks with student and friend Ron Bland (78) about post-war veteran experiences and the Mighty Pen Project.Subject Log / Time Code
David L. Robbins (DR) compliments Ron Bland's (RB's) humility.
RB describes the disdain and disinterest he received from strangers, friends, and family upon returning home from the Vietnam War.
RB remembers how a Korean War veteran encouraged him to purchase the baseball cap that reads "Combat Veteran Vietnam" and which he wears every day.
RB explains that, while growing up, his family in West Virginia had little money but plenty of farmland.
RB recounts how a poem by a fellow Mighty Pen student changed his attitude towards Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans. He explains that many Vietnam War veterans are jealous of veterans of the wars in the Middle East.
DR and RB talk about the Mighty Pen Project.
DR shares memories of Lake Barcroft.
RB considers how his enthusiasm for the Mighty Pen Project's writing classes has grown.
DR hopes that the Mighty Pen Project helps bring RB peace.
Participants
- David Robbins
- Ron Bland