On Tuesday, May 12, Vietnam War veteran Tom Collura, father of American History II teacher Kathy Gentile, spoke to history students during Periods 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9 in the LGI room.

Mr. Collura was drafted in 1967 and 1968, and then served in the United States army in 1969. He was 18 when he was drafted. About 300 men from Pittsburgh were drafted with him.

Before he was drafted, Mr. Collura was attending Duquesne University and did not know much about the war.

Mr. Collura told students brief stories about serving in the war, such as the awful two-seasoned Vietnam, spending most of his time in rain or dust.

Mr. Collura shared information with the students about how he was treated after his one year in war. He was constantly ridiculed and looked down upon as a stereotyped murderer.

Students were told about Mr. Collura’s problems during and post-war, including symptoms of PTSD and trouble befriending others.