Milwaukee Medal of Honor Recipient Gary G. Wetzel will talk about his experiences as a helicopter gunner in the Vietnam War and the circumstances under which he earned the U.S. military’s highest award for valor. Students will answer questions via a moderated QnA.
Pre-program digital packet:
• Lesson plan, 9-12/college: Above and Beyond, Gary G. Wetzel, Medal of Honor Recipient
• Worksheet 1: The Six Core Values of the Medal of Honor
• Worksheet 2: How to Talk to Veterans
Register below to get the meeting link and program materials.
This live chat will take place on the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the American GI Forum, the Congressionally-chartered Hispanic veterans and civil rights organization. These Milwaukee veterans will answer questions: George Banda, U.S. Army, Vietnam Veteran and Silver Star recipient; and Yolanda Medina, U.S. Marine Corps, Cold War Veteran, Director of Military and Veteran Resource Center, UW–Milwaukee.
Pre-program digital packet for one of two lessons:
LESSON 1: “Getting Our Voices Heard:” Latino Americans in Vietnam
This lesson explores the experience of Latino servicemen in Vietnam, including George Banda, focusing on the question of service and commitment despite discrimination.
Pre-program materials:
• Lesson plan, 2-3 class periods
• Worksheet 1: Video discussion: “The Draft On Two Fronts: Latinos & Vietnam,” PBS; Video discussion: Interviews with Latino Vietnam veterans from Milwaukee, PBS; article discussion: “The Humble Hero,” Milwaukee Independent.
• Worksheet 2: How to Talk to Veterans
LESSON 2: Forging Your Own Path: One Woman’s Story of Lifelong Growth
This lesson explores the personal growth and progress of Yolanda Medina, Cold War veteran who
served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1981 to 1985. Although Medina joined the Marines because of her boyfriend, she would come to see how that decision put her on her own path toward self-realization.
Pre-program materials:
• Lesson plan, 2-3 class periods
• Wisconsin Veterans Museum interview transcript
• Worksheet 1: 25 discussion questions
• Worksheet 2: How to Talk to Veterans
Register below to get the meeting link and program materials.
Meet local Vietnam War veterans and thank them for their service on this day commemorating all U.S.
military veterans who served during the Vietnam War. Students will be able to ask questions.
Pre-program digital packet:
• Google Slides presentation
• Worksheet: How to Talk to a Veteran
Register below to get the meeting link and program materials.
Memorial Day to Labor Day
8AM-8PM daily
Labor Day to Memorial Day
8AM-6PM daily