Greene Publishing, Inc.

By Joe Boyles

On occasion, I’m invited to speak to a group about a variety of subjects – military history, economics, public policy, etc. I rarely turn these opportunities down and am always gratified that someone or group feels that I might have something valuable to say.

Just before Thanksgiving, Suzanne Griffin called me on a Sunday afternoon and asked me to speak to her 10th grade English class the next day about Carroll Agner’s service in World War II, as subject I wrote about in this column six years ago. We were able to work out the schedule so I spoke to a group of about 25 high school students. Teenie Cave represented the Treasures of Madison County and brought a number of Carroll’s photographs from the war for the class to see.

First of all, let me say that I love to speak to young people. I’m a futurist, so I’m always looking toward what lies ahead. Young people are our future. If I can make an impression and possibly inspire them, then these are goals that I value.

I spoke to the class for nearly an hour, relating Carroll Agner’s service as a member of the Army’s famous 2nd Infantry “Indianhead” Division, then answered their questions. At times, my Air Force service and Vietnam experience came up as well.

Last week, I received a package of thank you notes written by the students following my visit. Each contained a personal sentiment from the student. They were interesting and gratifying to read. Each was well written and contained very interesting insights.

It was obvious to me that the students learned a great deal from the presentation. The photographs certainly helped make those impressions vivid. Carroll had a fine camera when he was overseas, and he used it well. The students were able to see just how bitter that winter of 1944-45 was in Northern Europe and what wartime field conditions were like nearly seventy years ago.

Some of the letters mentioned that they learned more from this presentation about World War II than they did in history class. That’s just wonderful. When an event like the war is vividly described, it becomes much more real than a standard textbook. Although I am not a WWII veteran, I am the son of a vet and have studied the war and strategy closely over the years. Also, my combat experience in Vietnam probably helped describe these events in realistic detail.

Some of the students commented about my method of presentation. They appreciated my sense of humor (always important) and that I answered their questions directly. I really appreciate the question and answer period in any presentation. It turns a lecture into two-way communication. I would add that when you understand and value history, you can put events in perspective that might otherwise not be apparent.

One student commented that I had her complete attention. That’s a lot to ask of a high school student over an entire class period. Another thanked me for getting them out of a test. Now there’s someone after my own heart.

Several students commented on how brave they we were. I can speak for Carroll, myself and other vets here. We really don’t see it that way. We joined the military for various reasons. We were given a job to do and a lot of training to prepare us for war. When the bullets started to fly and things got tough, we simply reverted to our training. First responders like cops, firemen, and EMS techs will tell you the same thing. You do what you have to do when the stress level rises.

Several students commented that they wanted to join the military as well. Good for them. It is a great training ground and helps prepare young people for life. I’ve often said that the two greatest advantages of a military life are education and travel. If you value these two things, then the military has a lot to offer.

One point I made to the class was that war is an unnatural and temporary condition. It is destructive and something that we want to avoid if at all possible. It may be exciting, but it is also exhaustive. Peace is a much more satisfying and prosperous condition.

In conclusion, I really appreciated Suzanne’s offer to speak to her class and look forward to the next opportunity. You can be assured that I got just as much out of the experience as they did.