Iraq, Afghanistan wars become personal for Norwich students
(NECN: Anya Huneke, Northfield, VT) – For these three Norwich University students, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have become personal. Together, they’re working on a documentary called ‘The War at Home’– about veterans returning home after combat. Geoffrey Ross\Jr., Norwich University: “I think the documentary will open the eyes of the public.” It has opened their eyes, they say. Jesse Mattson – a senior and a civilian student at this military college in Northfield, Vermont – says interviews he’s done with vets have expanded his understanding of the war well beyond news reports. Jesse Mattson: “I was shocked- when I first heard the stories of things they saw.” For Brittney Schlauch – a junior and a Cadet – it has been eye-opening… but also reinvigorating. Brittney: “Hearing the stories and knowing what it’s like- you want to help change it to make it better over there.” Schlauch remembers back to 7th grade, when the conflict began. Brittney: “I didn’t understand all I understand now. I just thought it was going to be a 1 or 2 year war. I didn’t think it would last this long.” Now – on the eighth anniversary of the start of the war in Afghanistan – she says she’s as ready to serve her country as ever. Brittney: “It’s why I want to join the military– I want to help other people… and go on over there… and defend my country.” That same attitude has attracted a record number of students this fall to Norwich- the oldest private military college in the nation. The school’s president says students have become more serious about and committed to their school and their country. As the conflict continues overseas, some Cadets at Norwich are preparing for their role in it. Up to 70 students will be deploying with the Vermont National Guard to Afghanistan this winter… and another 50 or so alumni will be joining them. Brittney: “One of my friends is getting deployed… I’m nervous because I don’t know what’s going to happen over there.” Joyce Rivers works as the veterans’ advocate at Norwich. Her position was created this year to meet the needs of an increasing number of vets returning to the school. Joyce Rivers: “And we expect it only to grow over the next few years.” So as the school prepares to send off dozens of students .. it is also preparing to welcome them all back- everyone hopes, safe and sound.
