After learning about the Vietnam war and reading historical books a lot of questions came to mind. For example; what was a typical day the soldiers, how was training, and especially how some were able control their emotions. I interviewed Mr. Christensen and really talked to him about his experience going to the Vietnam War in 1975.

Did you become a Vietnam Soldier by Choice? Were you drafted? How and when did you get drafted? Did you know you would be in the war when you heard about the draft? How did you feel when you heard about it, and how did you feel when you were drafted? Were you scared?

Mr. Christensen did not expect to be a war. He was drafted to go to Fork Polk Louisiana in 1967.  A part of him was scared but when in war there was no time to react because it was so overwhelming. He had to separate his emotions from reality.

Did you always want to be part of the Army?

Mr. Christensen never really thought about the army. He was living a regular life and was interested in plains. Did his own thing.

What is difficult leaving your family behind? How war you able to control your emotions?

We you don’t really have a choice to go to war, you kind of have to deal with it. Mr. Christensen had to leave his mother and three brothers behind, and was gone so quickly, he said goodbye and put on a brave face.

What branch of the military were you in? What was your ranking? How many men were in your squad?

Mr. Christensen had scored highly on the OCS (A six month course) and became a Lieutenant/ supply officer/ Combat engineer.

How old were you during the? How long were you in Vietnam?

He was 22 years young when he was drafted. He was in Vietnam for about a year and returned home at the age of 24 safe and sound.

What went through your mind when something bad happened?

“Usually you tried to protect yourself. You lived in the moment. So you couldn’t really think about. All you can think about is protecting yourself.”

Were you treated badly as a soldier?

Harshly -purpose to organize by the training Sargent afterwards they had a bit of fun; volleyball, movies, football, etc.

What was life like in war? What was the weather like? What was a Typical day like? What was sleeping like? What did it sound like?

Life was interesting, wake up did what they had to do. The weather wasn’t easy it was either really hot and dry or really cold and moist. Wake up and start training.

What was one important thing you learned from being part of the Vietnam War? Is there something you want us to know?

The biggest part of being part of the Vietnam War was that it mad him grow, mad him become a brave strong man. He learned that we shouldn’t relay on others, but to relay on ourselves.