From Staff Reports
John Brown University alumni Doug Chamberlain, Mike Bryant and Ronald Maines will share their experiences serving in the Vietnam War at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, in the Simmons Great Hall.
Titled "The Vietnam War: A Discussion with JBU Alumni Who Served," the event will feature personal stories from three combat Vietnam veterans who were in the U.S. Marine Corps and their reflections on the war 50 years later, followed by closing remarks from former President John Brown III.
"Hearing from Vietnam veterans is likely a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn more about our history from the people who lived it," Preston Jones, JBU associate professor of history and event facilitator, said. "The event is also an opportunity to encourage veterans to continue to tell their stories."
Doug Chamberlain, a member of the class of 1964, was student body president while at JBU and graduated with a degree in social studies education. Shortly after graduating, he was drafted for the war in spring 1965 and became first lieutenant in 1967. Mike Bryant graduated from JBU in 1971 with a degree in physical education and health. Bryant was a champion swimmer at JBU. After his service in the war where he was a helicopter pilot, Bryant returned to JBU to coach swimming. Ronald Maines graduated in mechanical engineering from JBU in 1967 and was also a helicopter pilot in service.
"I think ways to honor former comrades, for people who are listening and are wanting to hear, is to tell their story because that's who they were," Maines said. "They were just like me, college grads, fresh out of college, some married and some not, and faced with a major challenge... They have faced the greatest challenge you face in life, that is losing your life, and they did it with courage, and they did it bravely."
The event is free and open to the public. For more information about the event, contact Preston Jones at [email protected].
General News on 09/23/2018