LITTLE CHUTE, Wis.— A Wisconsin veteran gained a new outlook on his service after giving back to the community
For decades, the Appleton Area Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 351 have been sharing their experiences from the war. For one veteran, it’s been an eye opening experience and changed his outlook on his service.
Larry Cavanaugh served in the Army during the Vietnam War. His service meant a lot to him but it wasn’t always easy for him to talk about.
His outlook changed 10 years ago when he joined the Appleton Area Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 351.
The group toured schools around the Fox Valley area and shared artifacts and stories from their time in the Vietnam War with the kids. This provided students with a first hand account.
“I could never talk about my service time and after I viewed this a couple times, what the guys were talking about, I finally opened up about my experience,” Cavanaugh said.
Many veterans from the Vietnam War didn’t come home to a grand welcome, which made many feel like their service wasn’t important. For Cavanaugh, being able to share their stories holds value.
“What gives me such a sense of satisfaction is that maybe someone is actually finally listening to me and I really could make a difference or an impact on some kid's life,” Cavanaugh said.
By working with kids, the veterans were able to shed light on the conflict through their own eyes.
For Cavanaugh, it’s been a relief to finally share his thoughts and emotions after all these years
“I got out and listened to other folks. If they could tell their story then I could tell mine,” Cavanaugh said.
Through this program he has been able to put himself on a better path for himself and for the next generation of students eager to learn about our country’s history.