Fairfax County seeks Vietnam veterans for national audio archive

The Fairfax County History Commission wants to add new voices to the national record of the Vietnam War. The project aims to collect personal stories from county residents who served in that conflict. These recordings will join the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Congress established that archive in 2000 to preserve firsthand accounts from U.S. veterans.

Interviews will continue through early May 2027. Each session is expected to last about 30 minutes. The commission is looking for two types of participants. They need veterans willing to share their experiences. They also need student note-takers to assist during the recordings.

An adult and a teen at least 15 years old can conduct the interviews. Interviewers will receive training before they begin. Potential questions cover the enlistment process, daily living conditions, and feelings about the war. Veterans may also discuss how people treated them after their service ended.

Sue Kovach Shuman, the Oral History Committee Chair, coordinates the effort. Interested individuals can email her at sueshuman@fairfaxcounty.gov. Friends or family members can also suggest veterans. With permission, they can send the veteran's contact information to Shuman. The commission encourages residents to reach out now to secure a spot in the schedule.

The project relies on community involvement to build its archive. It allows locals to contribute directly to a federal collection. The interviews capture specific memories that might otherwise be lost. The process ensures that the county's veterans leave a permanent record of their service.