Veteran Stories: Are You Making These Mistakes?

The power of veteran stories lies in their authenticity and the lessons they impart. But many well-intentioned projects stumble, missing opportunities to truly honor the voices of veterans. Are you making these same mistakes?

I recall working with a local historical society here in Marietta, Georgia, a few years back. They embarked on a project to document the experiences of Vietnam War veterans in Cobb County. They envisioned a powerful collection of narratives for their online archive. Initially, enthusiasm was high. Volunteers eagerly signed up to conduct interviews, and veterans cautiously agreed to share their stories. However, problems soon emerged.

The society, bless their hearts, lacked experience in oral history. They rushed into interviews without clearly defined protocols or, more importantly, without securing proper consent. One veteran, Mr. Johnson (not his real name, of course), shared a deeply personal account of a traumatic event. He trusted the interviewer, a young college student, and felt comfortable opening up. The interview was recorded and transcribed.

Then, the historical society decided to use Mr. Johnson’s story in a promotional video for their project. They edited his words, added dramatic music, and presented it at a fundraising gala. Mr. Johnson was horrified. He hadn’t agreed to have his story used in that way. He felt betrayed and exploited. He contacted a lawyer, citing violation of privacy and emotional distress. The historical society, caught completely off guard, had to scramble to remove the video and issue a public apology. The entire project was nearly derailed, and the society’s reputation took a serious hit.

What went wrong? Several things. The first, and perhaps most critical, mistake was the failure to obtain informed consent. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs [VA](https://www.va.gov/), veterans have the right to privacy and control over their personal information. The historical society should have presented Mr. Johnson with a clear and comprehensive consent form outlining how his story would be used, who would have access to it, and for what purposes. This form should have been reviewed and signed before the interview even began.

I’ve seen this happen all too often. Well-meaning organizations get so caught up in the excitement of collecting veteran stories that they forget the fundamental ethical and legal obligations. Don’t make that mistake. Before you record a single word, consult with a legal professional to draft a legally sound consent form that protects both the veteran and your organization. You can also find templates and resources from organizations like the Oral History Association [OHA](https://oralhistory.org/).

The second mistake was over-editing and embellishing Mr. Johnson’s story. The historical society, in an attempt to make the video more “compelling,” took liberties with his words, added sensationalistic elements, and ultimately misrepresented his experience. Veteran stories are powerful because they are authentic. Don’t dilute that power by trying to make them something they’re not. Preserve the original voice, tone, and intent of the veteran.

Think of it this way: you’re a conduit, not a director. Your job is to amplify the veteran’s voice, not to rewrite their narrative. Stick to the facts, avoid embellishment, and let the story speak for itself. If you need to edit for clarity or length, always get the veteran’s approval first.

The third, and perhaps most overlooked, mistake was ignoring the emotional impact on Mr. Johnson. Sharing traumatic experiences can be incredibly difficult for veterans. It can trigger painful memories, exacerbate existing mental health conditions, and lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or anger. The historical society failed to provide Mr. Johnson with adequate support or resources to help him cope with these potential challenges.

Before you even begin interviewing veterans, educate yourself on the potential psychological effects of sharing traumatic memories. Partner with local mental health organizations that specialize in veteran care. Have resources readily available to provide to veterans who may need support. This might include contact information for the Veterans Crisis Line [Veterans Crisis Line](https://www.veteranscrisisline.org/), local support groups, or mental health professionals.

We had a similar situation when we were working with a group of female veterans returning from Operation Enduring Freedom. They were hesitant to share their experiences, fearing judgment and misunderstanding. We partnered with the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center and provided a trained therapist to facilitate group discussions after each interview. This created a safe and supportive environment where the veterans felt comfortable sharing their stories and processing their emotions. The result was a collection of incredibly powerful and authentic narratives that truly honored their service.

Here’s what nobody tells you: sometimes, the best story is the one that isn’t told. If a veteran is clearly uncomfortable or unwilling to share a particular experience, respect their boundaries and move on. Don’t pressure them or try to coax them into revealing something they’re not ready to share. Their well-being is far more important than any story.

Let’s get specific. Imagine you’re interviewing a veteran who served in Iraq. During the interview, they start to describe a firefight they were involved in. As they recount the events, you notice they become visibly distressed – their voice trembles, their hands shake, and they start to sweat. What do you do? You don’t push them to continue. You gently interrupt them, acknowledge their discomfort, and offer them a break. You remind them that they are in control of the interview and that they can stop at any time. You provide them with the contact information for the Veterans Crisis Line and a local veteran support group. You prioritize their well-being above all else.

The Marietta historical society eventually recovered from their missteps. They revised their consent forms, provided training to their interviewers, and partnered with local veteran support organizations. They learned a valuable lesson: documenting veteran stories is a privilege, not a right. It requires sensitivity, respect, and a commitment to ethical practices.

The society even created a new set of guidelines, which included a mandatory review of all interview transcripts by a veteran advocate before publication. This ensures that the veteran’s voice is accurately represented and that their story is told with respect and dignity. They also established a fund to provide mental health support to veterans who participate in their oral history projects. This shows a genuine commitment to the well-being of the veterans they serve.

Documenting veteran stories is a vital endeavor. These narratives preserve history, honor service, and provide valuable insights into the human experience. But it’s crucial to approach this work with sensitivity, respect, and a commitment to ethical practices. Avoid the mistakes that plagued the Marietta historical society, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a meaningful and impactful collection of veteran stories.

The key is to remember that these are not just stories; they are the lived experiences of real people who have sacrificed for their country. Treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve, and you’ll create something truly special.

Sharing these stories is important. It can help veterans with accessing benefits and connecting with others.

Remember, as we think about the future of veteran stories, let’s make sure we are taking these lessons to heart.

Perhaps these projects will even help families in crisis.

Want to truly honor veterans? Don’t just record their stories, safeguard them. Secure consent, preserve authenticity, and prioritize their well-being. The most powerful tribute is a story told with respect.