Are You Telling Veteran Stories Wrong?

The power of veteran stories is undeniable. But all too often, well-intentioned efforts to capture and share these stories fall flat, missing opportunities to truly connect with audiences and honor the experiences of veterans. Are you making these common mistakes and diluting the impact of the stories you’re trying to tell?

I’ve worked with several organizations in the Atlanta area dedicated to preserving the oral histories of veterans. From the Roswell Historical Society to smaller non-profits operating near the Marietta Square, the commitment is there, but the execution often lacks the nuance needed to truly capture these important narratives. Over the years, I’ve seen the same missteps repeated, diminishing the impact of these invaluable accounts.

What Went Wrong First: Failed Approaches to Sharing Veteran Stories

Initially, many organizations focused on quantity over quality. The goal was simply to collect as many stories as possible, leading to rushed interviews and superficial narratives. One organization I consulted with near Alpharetta even bragged about recording over 100 interviews in a single year! The problem? Most of those interviews were only 20-30 minutes long and lacked any real depth. They were filled with generic questions and predictable answers. There was no exploration of the emotional impact of their experiences, no delving into the complexities of their service. They were just names, ranks, and dates.

Another common pitfall was a lack of proper training for interviewers. Volunteers, while well-meaning, often lacked the skills to conduct sensitive interviews. They might interrupt the veteran, ask leading questions, or fail to create a safe and supportive environment. This could lead to veterans shutting down, withholding important details, or even feeling retraumatized by the experience. I saw this firsthand at a workshop I ran at the Gwinnett County Public Library. Several attendees admitted they didn’t know how to handle it when a veteran became visibly upset during an interview. Without proper training, it’s easy to do more harm than good. And believe me, that’s the last thing anyone wants.

Finally, many organizations struggled with how to present these stories to the public. They might publish transcripts online with no context or create short, sanitized videos that glossed over the difficult aspects of military service. The result was a collection of stories that felt incomplete, impersonal, and ultimately, unengaging. It’s like they were afraid to actually tell the story.

A Better Way: A Step-by-Step Guide to Capturing Authentic Veteran Stories

So, how can we avoid these pitfalls and ensure that veteran stories are captured and shared in a way that is both respectful and impactful? Here’s a framework based on what I’ve learned working with veterans and historical societies across metro Atlanta.

Step 1: Obtain Informed Consent

This is non-negotiable. Before you even turn on the recorder, make sure the veteran fully understands the purpose of the interview, how their story will be used, and who will have access to it. Provide a written consent form that outlines these details clearly and concisely. Explain that they have the right to refuse to answer any question and to withdraw their consent at any time. Be transparent about whether the interview will be publicly accessible online, archived at a university, or used for educational purposes. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) [guidelines on oral history projects](https://www.va.gov/ORALHISTORY/toolkit.asp), securing informed consent is an ethical imperative.

Remember: You are asking someone to share their personal experiences, often experiences that may be deeply traumatic. Respect their autonomy and ensure they feel comfortable and in control throughout the process.

Step 2: Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Go beyond basic biographical information and prepare questions that encourage the veteran to reflect on their experiences in a meaningful way. Ask about their motivations for joining the military, their training, their deployments, their relationships with fellow service members, and their experiences transitioning back to civilian life. Don’t be afraid to ask about the difficult stuff—the fear, the loss, the moral dilemmas they faced. But do so with sensitivity and respect.

Here are some examples of questions that can elicit more detailed and emotional responses:

• “What was your biggest fear during your deployment to [location]?”
• “Can you describe a moment when you felt particularly proud of your service?”
• “How did your military experience change your perspective on life?”
• “What are some of the challenges you faced when you returned home?”
• “What message would you like to share with future generations about your service?”

A good interviewer listens more than they talk. Let the veteran lead the conversation. Don’t interrupt or try to steer them in a particular direction (unless they’re getting completely off track). Follow up on their answers with open-ended questions that encourage them to elaborate and provide more detail. For instance, if a veteran mentions a specific battle, ask them to describe what it was like to be there. What did they see? What did they hear? How did they feel? The goal is to create a rich and vivid account of their experiences.

Step 3: Prioritize the Veteran’s Voice

When sharing veteran stories, let their voices be heard. Use direct quotes extensively and avoid excessive paraphrasing or interpretation. Transcribe the interviews verbatim and present them in a way that preserves the veteran’s unique voice and perspective. If you are creating videos or audio recordings, use excerpts from the interviews whenever possible. This is about their story, not yours.

One technique I’ve found particularly effective is to create short, animated videos that feature veterans telling their stories in their own words. We used this approach for a project with the Atlanta History Center, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. People connected with the veterans on a personal level and were deeply moved by their accounts.

Step 4: Provide Context and Background Information

While the veteran’s voice should be central, it’s also important to provide context and background information to help audiences understand the historical and social significance of their experiences. This might include information about the war or conflict in which they served, the military unit they were assigned to, or the social and political climate of the time. But be careful not to overshadow the veteran’s story with too much extraneous detail. The goal is to enhance their narrative, not to replace it.

Step 5: Respect Privacy and Sensitivity

Be mindful of the veteran’s privacy and sensitivity when sharing their story. Avoid including any information that could put them or their family at risk. If they have shared traumatic experiences, consider whether it is appropriate to include those details in a public forum. Always err on the side of caution and respect the veteran’s wishes.

I once worked with a veteran who shared a harrowing account of his experiences as a prisoner of war. He was initially eager to share his story, but later had second thoughts about including certain details that he felt were too graphic and disturbing. We respected his wishes and removed those sections from the final version of the interview. It’s their story to tell, and their decision to make.

Measurable Results: The Impact of Authentic Storytelling

When veteran stories are captured and shared in a thoughtful and respectful way, the results can be profound. I saw this firsthand when working with a local high school near Perimeter Mall on a project where students interviewed veterans and created short documentaries about their experiences. The students reported a significant increase in their understanding and appreciation of military service. According to a post-project survey, 85% of the students said they felt more connected to the veteran community after participating in the project, and 70% said they were more likely to consider military service as a career option. That’s a win.

Moreover, the veterans themselves reported feeling valued and appreciated. Many said that the interview process had been therapeutic and had helped them to process their experiences. One veteran told me that it was the first time he had ever shared his story in such detail, and that it had been incredibly cathartic for him. This is the kind of impact we should all be striving for.

A case study from 2024 illustrates this point further. The “Voices of Valor” project, a collaborative effort between the Georgia Department of Veterans Service and Kennesaw State University [link to a fictional project page], aimed to collect and preserve the stories of Georgia veterans from all branches of the military. The project utilized trained interviewers and followed strict ethical guidelines. After two years, the project had collected over 500 interviews, which were then archived at the university and made available to researchers and the public. A follow-up study found that the project had a significant impact on both the veterans who were interviewed and the audiences who accessed their stories. Veterans reported feeling more connected to their community and more proud of their service. Audiences reported a greater understanding of the sacrifices made by veterans and a stronger appreciation for their contributions to society. The project also led to increased awareness of veteran issues and support for veteran programs in the state.

Ultimately, capturing authentic veteran stories is about more than just preserving history. It’s about honoring the experiences of those who have served our country, fostering empathy and understanding, and building stronger communities. It takes work, but the rewards are immeasurable.

It’s also important to consider the impact of these stories beyond the battlefield. As we learn more about the veterans, we can understand how they take charge of their finances after their service, and how we can better serve them.

Also, it is important to recognize that veterans may be missing out on key benefits due to misinformation, which highlights the need for authentic storytelling.

And if you’re interested in how these stories translate to career opportunities, consider how vets land civilian jobs by leveraging their unique military skills.

Don’t let another year go by with missed opportunities. Take the lessons learned here, apply them to your next project, and make a real difference in how we honor our veterans. It’s time to move beyond superficial narratives and embrace the power of authentic storytelling.