My Second Trip

It's my privilege to travel for a second straight summer on a trip that involves research. In the winter I was accepted to a program underwritten by the National Cemeteries Association (which is part of the Veterans Affairs Administration) that involves research on the Korean War.

That it's the Korean War, not World War II, is one difference between this summer's work and last summers. Additionally . . .

I'm learning about two servicemen, not just one.

There are no students.

The no students thing is a bit disheartening. I came to adore the fifteen young men and young women on last year's trip. However, it's nice that I get to do the researching.

But I'll see many familiar faces on this trip: Paul, Amy, Lynne . . .

Paul was my roommate last year. We're rooming again this year in Hawaii. 

And I'll have the chance to eulogize a fallen hero, and to immerse myself in a period of history.

And I'll have the chance to bring something back to my classroom that is shaped by what I see and do.

- - -

The research began in February when I identified two servicemen to make the focus of my work. I'll tell you more about Staff Sergeant Mathewson and Lieutenant Colonel Wieczorek in my next post. I found it more challenging to keep up with research this spring without a student accompanying my intellectual journey (I guess Lauren kept me honest).

In July I fly to Hawaii for six days of learning more about the conflict. And a chance to pay my respects to Bruce's grave. That's S.Sgt. Mathewson.

In August and in November I develop ways to make this experience something other teachers can use, and from which other students can learn. That's where Vic (Lt. Col. Wieczorek) comes in.

Experiences like this can't help but affect the way one teaches. This year I instinctively discovered ways to get more about the Normandy Invasion in my teaching. Heck, I even tasked the students with an assignment in which they learned how we remember World War I. Toward the end of the year, what I've been learning about Korea crept into my lessons, too.

A student's notes from Lauren's presentation to my 4th block class. 

It's my hope that I can use the next three weeks to make posts here on this blog that will keep you up to date with what I'm learning. Once I get to Hawaii, this can be a place where I tell you about what I'm seeing. I'm fortunate to be where I am, getting opportunities like this to explore and travel and satisfy my historical curiosity about the meaningful niches in our past.