An interview with WCSU Student and USMC Veteran Derek Munzenmayer
13 minutes and 30 seconds
Aaron Hawkins, interview
2017
30 mins.
Aaron Hawkins' account of his experience in the United States Army during two tours in Iraq as well as life in U.S. after.
Playwright in Hamden
30 mins
Jack Sikora Interview
60 minutes
Captain Jack Sikora was born in Norwich Connecticut, and grew up in New London. He came from a military family, although his mother was opposed to him going off to war. Sikora attended Danbury State Teachers College as a history major. He didn’t want to leave for war before finishing his degree, however his plan from the beginning was to serve. He clearly felt a sense of duty to his country and wanted to give something back. Because of this he spent a year in the Vista Program, working in impoverished communities in the South. He was stationed in Belvins Creek, North Carolina. Sikora then started graduate school at Appalachian State until he was commissioned by the Airforce. He then completed officer training school. At which time, he entered the war in Vietnam as an intelligence officer. Sikora was stationed at Otis Airforce Base as a signals control officer. He flew numerous reconnaissance missions over the Ho Chi Minh Trail. His responsibilities were to find out where the VC were and to report back to those on the ground what they found. Sikora expressed his regret of not joining the Marine Corps, in his mind this would have been more honorable. He says his perspective on the war has changed over time. Originally, he felt the involvement was valid. After returning home, and pursuing a career in academia, he was exposed to a different school of thinking; in turn his perspective changed. Sikora also shared his experiences with battling PTSD, and transitioning back to civilian life. He felt as though he was self medicating for many years. Eventually he was able to find help. He like many other Veterans kept quiet about his experiences overseas for many years. Eventually, he helped write the book Bat Cats. This experience gave Sikora and many other families’ closure about the war. Lastly, he reflects on the war involvement as a whole. At which time he said “I like to think that there are some people alive today, because of what we did.”
English
Recorded Interview
Vietnam War Interview
11/23/16
0-5 mins: Born in Norwich Connecticut, grew up in New London, Connecticut; Danbury State College; History Major; Family military history.
5-10: Class of 65; Knowledge of Vietnam; Vista Program; "Hey what's a year?"; Blevins Creek, North Carolina.
10-15 mins: Graduate school; Appalachian State; Officer training exams; Air Force.
15-20 mins:Family reactions towards Vietnam; Patriotism; Commissioned as an intelligence officer; Trained in aviation.
20-25 mins: Otis Air Force Base; Signals control officer; National priority #2; Ho Chi Minh Trail; Bat Cats; 553 reconnaissances wing; 121 reconnaissance plane.
25-30 mins: Identifying targets; Equipment; Lose of 2 crews; Evading the Vietcong; Reflection on other U.S. military branches.
30-35 mins: Regrets of not joining the Marine Core; Knew coordinates not locations; Protests back home; Back then involvement was valid.
35-40 mins: Academic perspective of the war; Active duty; Finishing education; Teaching; Transition back to civilian life.
40-45 mins: PTSD; Loneliness; Finding help; Serious health issues.
45-50 mins: Salvation; Supporting veterans and their families; "Never expected a pat on the back, but I did not expect a kick in the ass."; Staying quiet.
50-55 mins: Bat Cats the book; Helping families gain closure; Reflection on war involvement.
55-end: Faulty strategies; "Get the hell out of my office."; "I like to think that there are some people alive today, because of what we did.";
George Robinson Interview
Vietnam 1970-1972
42 minutes
George Robinson was born in Manhattan New York, but grew up mainly in the Bronx. He attended college at Holy Cross. When the draft numbers came out, he enlisted into the Airforce. Robinson did not want to join the army, but still wanted to serve. Robinson entered Vietnam in May, 1970, and re-upped in 1971. He was stationed at Tan Son Nhut Airforce base. As an advisor his responsibilities were to teach English to South Vietnamese Officers who were in the process of becoming pilots. All air traffic controllers and pilots, use English. His job was teach the officers English, in order to take the pilots exam. Robinson elaborates on his rewarding experiences teaching these individuals. He recalls that one of the most common sayings among the South Vietnamese Officers regarding learning English was, “If you know two languages, you are worth two people.” In his view, he was helping them fight their war, so that American soldiers could go home. Part of the problem was many of the South Vietnamese did not want to fight the war. He says similar to the Civil War for America, the Vietnamese were supposed to fight against people “who looked, acted, and talked similarly.” Robinson gives his opinion on the American strategy in Vietnam, the domino theory, and what could have been done differently. He says that in the beginning America should have supported Ho Chi Men. Also, he expressed the problems that go along with having soldiers who were not in for the duration of the war. In many cases, you did your year and went home. While in World War II, you would be in for the duration of the war. Robinson discusses having jitters, and nightmares during his transition back into civilian life, not unlike many other veterans.
English
Recorded Interview
Vietnam War Interview
11/14/16
0-5 min: Bronx NY; Family life; ROTC; Holy Cross; Physical; Failed eye exam; Military family; Draft numbers; Airforce; Didn't want to be a grunt.
5-10 min: Enlistment; Getting there; Culture shock; Processing; 6 weeks of training;
10-15 min: Teaching the South Vietnamese; Pilots exam; Teaching English; If you know two languages you are worth two people; Entertainment; Getting comfortable; Downtown Saigon.
15-20 min: Reunions; Gulf of Tonkin Resolution; We were lied to; Advising; No limited war; American strategy in Vietnam.
20-25 min: The Domino Theory; Communism; Good boy; Catholic school; Followed authority; The splitting of North and South Vietnam.
25-30 min: We know the right way mentality; Vung Tau; Protesting; Going up north; Dangers of not having your rifle.
30-35 min: Making a living in a war zone; Being short; Being next; Leaving Vietnam; Transitioning back to civilian life; Teaching back home.
35-42 min: Nightmares; jitters; Being alert; Tae Kwon Do; No one should have gone to Vietnam; Facing fear; The students; It is the people you remember; Was there a clear strategy?; Doing your year and going home; Not in for the duration of the war.
John Sheeran Interview
Vietnam 1970-1971
55 minutes
John Sheeran served in Vietnam from 1970-71 as a United States military advisor. With generations of his family serving in the United States military as well as growing up in a pro-military environment, Sheeran enrolled in the Virginia Military institute and entered active service in 1969 operating rifle ranges for Recruits while also being promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant before being shipped off to Vietnam in 1970.
Sheeran’s role as a U.S. military advisor was to help the local Vietnamese militias in a wide variety of ways from military actions such as coordinating ambushes and medavacs to humanitarian projects such as bridge building and village reconstruction. Sheeran as well as his five man advisory team rotated throughout South Vietnam going to places such as the Kien Hoa Province, Tan Phu Trung and Tuaduc. Sheeran’s experience in Vietnam differs from the common U.S. soldier, because he rarely saw any combat during his tour.
Once Sheeran finished his tour in Vietnam, he was never faced with any war opposition and never suffered the common after effects of war such as having nightmares or PTSD. But he uses his experiences to educate the post-Vietnam generations.
English
Recorded Interview
Vietnam War Interview
10/30/16
Western Connecticut State University
0-5 min: Family history; Katonah Ny; School teaching; Virginia Military Institute; Military History; WWII; Military society;
5-10 min: The 60's; growing up; conservative society; Government support; Highschool; Entering the war; 1969 active duty; Basic training; Officer; rifle ranges;
10-15 min: Heading to vietnam; Resignation; Getting off the plane; Military advisory command; Training camp for advisory command; Helping the Vietnamese help themselves;
15-20 min: Kien Hoa Province; advising team; Villages/working with villagers; MAT 6; 5 member team; Tan Phu Trung; Militia groups;
20-25 min: Officer; Humanitarian efforts; militias; Village chiefs; Local relations; Civil action; Bridge building; local commerce; Locals - appreciative;
25-30 min: Successes; Propaganda teams; welcomed; Stated objectives of advising team; Tuaduc; Morale building;
30-35 min: Food; Day to day living; Immersed in culture; tour coming to an end; Going home;
35-40 min: Dangerous incidents; Vietcong; Ambush; Shadow governments; Rocket fire; Medevac; John's experience;
40-45 min: War opposition; Stepping back into the U.S.; Surprise homecoming; United States strategy;
45-50 min: Domino theory; communism; War in Vietnam; Good experience; Helping others;
50-end: Pictures; Teaching vietnam; impact of the war; veterans; Chicken hawks; Resourcefulness of Vietnamese;
Paul Gassner Interview
Vietnam 1967-1970
55 min
Paul Gassner served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1967-1970. He came from a military family. His father was a World War II veteran, and his grandfather, a World War I veteran; Paul is third generation military and second generation cavalry. He enlisted in the army, hoping to avoid being drafted into the infantry. Paul entered into a chemical platoon, chemistry being his best subject in high school and later in college as well. Upon his arrival in Vietnam his base at Cam Ranh Bay was rocketed by the VC. At this point in the interview he said “welcome to Vietnam.”
As part of a chemical platoon of the 1st Calvary Air Division, Paul worked with several different chemical agents, primarily tear gas. Spraying chemicals around the bases to prevent the growth of vegetation etc. He notes the use of Agent Orange, and many of the long term health consequences associated with these chemicals. Paul, also talks about feeling unprepared for the war in terms of the training he was given. Despite this, he was till promoted to Sergeant.
He felt as though there was a lack of a clear strategy in Vietnam. He, like many other soldiers, felt abandoned by the politicians, and blamed for the war by their peers at home. Leaving Paul, and thousands more to feel completely isolated from society. Paul discusses how relieved he was to leave Vietnam. “Happy to have survived.” He said. When he returned home, he hung up his uniform, and kept quiet about the war for over forty years. He discusses his experiences with nightmares, and battling PTSD; also how counseling has helped him deal with this.
English
Recorded Interview
Vietnam War Interview
October 19th, 2016
0-5 min: Family History; Branch; Rank; Time of Service; Volunteer; Chemical Platoon;
5-10 min: Arrival in Vietnam; Jungle Rot; Cam Ranh Bay Naval Base; Base is Attacked; Welcome to Vietnam;
10-15 min: Chemical Platoon; 1st Cavalry Air Division; Chemical Agents; Tear Gas and Agent Orange; Training; "I'm in over my head.";
15-20 min: Promotion; Rank; Waste; Responsibilities; Claymores;
20-25 min: Use of Chemicals; Agent Orange; Birth Defects; Beer; Free Time;
25-30 min: Rocket Attacks; Combat Instincts; Government Abandonment;
30-35 min: Leaving Vietnam; Happy to Have Survived;
35-40 min: Hanging up the uniform; Wife's Sickness; Pressure/Stress; Dreams and Nightmares; Counseling;
40-45 min: Lack of clear strategy; Government Opinion; FTA; Censorship;
45-end: No regrets; Combat life to civilian life; Coming Home; de-segregation;
Edward A. Hagan Interview
Vietnam 1969-1970
53 min
Edward Hagen is a Vietnam Veteran that served from 1969-1970. He is now currently an English professor here at Western Connecticut State University. Ed was in ROTC at Fordham University, and was brought into the war as an intelligence officer. He was assigned to the S-2 advisors office in Phong Dinh Province on October 29th 1969, where he went to work for the pacification effort in Can Tho City. He was a member of a team of about 150 army and civilian intelligence advisors. Ed discusses how “preposterous” the idea was of a 22 year old man advising people that were twice his age.
Generally speaking, although there really is no such thing when talking about war, his duties were to read and draft intelligence reports, go on scouting missions in the helicopter to spot the VC, and to advise the South Vietnamese, in their efforts against the VC. Ed also discusses the lack of a coherent strategy for the United States in terms of bringing about victory. He talks about why pacification isn’t a winning strategy. Ed elaborates on his experience of being in a helicopter that was shot down by the VC. He said they were flying too low and as a result they were shot down. The co-pilot was killed in this incident; remarkably, everyone else survived.
Ed explains why he believes the United States should have stayed out of Vietnam. He also gives his opinion on the “fighting godless communism” and the domino theory. Ed gives his thoughts on staying quiet about the war, and what compelled him to write his memoir.
Cody Clark
English
Recorded interview
Vietnam War Interview
October 12th, 2016
0-5min: Introductions; ROTC; Fordham University; Draft Discussion; Draft Test; War Opposition;
5-10min:POW/MIA; Draft Board; College Graduation; Military/Family History; Military Skepticism;
10-15min:Arriving in Vietnam; Intelligence Officer; S-2 Advisory Team; General Responsibilities; Scouting and Reconnaissance;
15-20min:Intelligence Briefings and Reports; CIA;
20-25min:Buying Intelligence Reports; Major Ambush; Advisors; Maycon Delta;
25-30min: Major Incidents; Ambush; Strategies for Victory; Pacification; Peace Corps Programs;
30-35min:"Normal Day" in Vietnam; Briefings; Directives; Casualties;
35-40min:What kept the war going?; Going to war anonymously; Going Home; Helicopters and Gunships;
40-45min:Helicopter Shot Down; VC Confrontation; Friendly's and Civilians;
45-50min:War Opposition; Was it a war for the U.S. to be in?; Politics of the 1960's; Goldwater; Laos; Cambodia; Better Dead Than Red; Godless Communism;
50-55min:Staying Quiet; Writing a Memoir;
Oral history interview with Jack Sikora
2007
51 min, 10 min
Jack Sikora, briefly describes the lives of his maternal and paternal grandparents who all immigrated to America from Poland. He then describes his only childhood and his role in the Vietnam War with its challenges and frustrations.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Tokiko Thorpe
2007
23 min
Subject relates how she began a successful restaurant in Danbury as well as describing her experiences as a Japanese immigrant in America.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Robert Moody
2007
32 min
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Anonymous
2007
24 min
Anonymous decided to immigrate to the United States after marrying her husband, who was allready an American citizen. She describes her positive outlook of life under Communism and the benefits of her newlife in America.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Eren Cylan
2007
23 min
Interview with 19 year old Turkish immigrant, Eren Cylan. Eren tells about growing up in Turkey and the difficult transition into the American school system.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Rose Gattuso
2007
30 min
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with George Chaber
2007
35 min.
Interview with George Chaber's experiences of emigrating from Lebanon to the United States in 1970
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Donato Monaco
2007
Mr. Donato, a first generation Italian immigrant, discusses a wide range of topics detailing his experience as an immigrant in the New York and Danbury areas. Topics of historical interest discussed include agrarian issues during the Great Depression, the Korean War, weather, education, and some colorful anecdotes concerning the subject's reaction to racism he encountered as a young man.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Josephine Rizzo
2007
27 mins
Josephine Rizzo sought to come to America for a life of better opportunities and to monetarily aid her parents back in Italy. She describes her resolve to be given a Visa to enter the United States, and continued further to detail her difficulties with the cultural assimilation, and the solace which the Italian American community provided her.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Salome Benete
2007
36 mins
Salome Benete immigrated to America during the 1970's for employment. To make ends meet she worked various jobs, and taught herself English. She describes the early struggles which she and other Spaniard immigrants share in common and how she was able to overcome them.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Anna Zavalskaya Radcliff
2007
19 min
Anna Zavalskaya Radcliff, a Senior Account Executive met her American husband on a German dating website and married in Post-Communist Russia. Anna details life under Communism, life after Communism and her new life in America. Societal aspects were very similar and yet dissimilar however, Anna was able to conquer her fears and anxieties and is now successful and happy in the United States.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Valeria Castanhari
2007
26 min
Valeria immigrated to Danbury largely based upon her familial visits in the area. She describes her expectations, the disapointments as well as her achievments in immigrating to the Greater Danbury area.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Tony Ssonko
2007
21 min
Tony Ssonko was placed in a boarding school at the age of four in Uganda, ever since then he dreamt of immigrating to America. His dream was fulfilled when he was chosen by a U.S. sponsored Immigrant Lottery. He discusses cultural differences as well as his expectations, perceptions and realizations of America.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Rosemary Pascasioclas
2007
23 min
Rosemary Pascasio a native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic immigrated to the Danbury Area fourteen years ago with her family seeking a better quality of life. Rosemary discusses her process of applying for citizenship and her struggle with adapting to the American culinary palette.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Andres Quiroz
2007
6 min
Andres Quiroz, an air conditioning installer immigrated to Danbury eleven years ago and explores current issues facing the immigrant population today. Including immigrant arrest, immigrant employment issues and the correlation to these issues and an increasing immigrant population.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Loreny Hazel
2007
16 min.
Loreny's experience coming to America.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Regina Owens
2007
25 min
Oral interview with Regina Owens about her immigration to the United States
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Stacy Neoforidis
2007
9 min
Interview with Stamatia Stacy" Neofitidis on her immigration to America"
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview wtih Joseph Testa
2007
18 min
Oral interview with Joseph Testa about his immigration to America.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview wtih Mario Castro
2007
23 min
Oral interview with Mario Castro about his immigration to the United States.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Vinceza Borgesano
2007
17 min
Vincenza immigrated to the United States in the 1970's from Italy. She describes her early life in Italy
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Vineta Stolere
2007
41 min
Vinetta Stolere immigrated to the United States in 1995 and describes in detail her life under Communist rule and the effects it has had on her life.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Valquirua Joseph
2007
25 min
Interview with Valquiria Joseph about her experience coming to the United States from San Paolo, Brazil.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Teddy Bekele
2007
40 min
Interview with Teddy Bekele about his experience coming to America.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Antonio and Aulinda Montez
2007
25 min
Interview with Antonio and Aulinda Montez on their immigration to America.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Antonio DaMatos
2007
52 min
Interview with Antonio DaMatos, who came to live in America to try to accomplish the American Dream.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Eng Peng
2007
26 min
Interview with Eng Peng on his experience coming to America, and how he attained the American Dream of hard work and being a homeowner.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Gabor Szabo
2007
30 min
Interview of Gabor Szabo who came to the United States in 1991, at the age of 10, from Hungary. He discusses his experiences with immigration such as obstacles he had to overcome when he arrived and his experience with citizenship. He arrived and his experience as a Hungarian immigrant fighting in Iraq for the U.S. Army Reserves.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Irma Ruff
2007
34 min.
Oral interview with Irma Ruff about her experience coming to America.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with John McDonald
2007
34 min.
Interview with John McDonald on his immigration from Ireland to New York City.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Marilia Amaral
2007
31 min
Oral history interview with Marilia Amaral.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Providenza Lapaglia
2007
20 min
Oral history interview with Providenza LaPaglia
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Raul Betteta
2007
14 min
Oral history interview of Raul Betteta on his experience coming to the U.S. from Guatemala.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Joseph DeSantis
2007
24 min
Joseph DeSantis served in the Italian Army, met his wife in Israel. After a divorce, he sought to re-connect with his daughter in the United States. He came to the United States in search of her, he adapted to life in the U.S. easily, finding work as an electrician and taught himself English by watching episodes of Matlock.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Leticia Ortiz
2007
12 min.
The interviewee, a Columbian immigrant, recalls her experiences in her home country as well as the various changes she underwent upon her arrival as an immigrant in the United States. Topics include Columbian governmental corruption, drug related violence and murders, Columbian guerrillas, as well as the changes in social status experienced by the subject during her transition from Columbian to American society.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Lore McCarthy
2007
37 min
Lore McCarthy describes life before Hitler came to power and when the tides turned and life became very difficult for the half-Christian half-Jewish girl. She discusses the conditions during the war, and her meeting with an American from Hollywood who would change her life.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Lucia Lamperelli
2007
8 min.
Mrs. Lamperelli relates her story as an Italian immigrant who endures a harrowing and prolonged seaborne trans-atlantic journey. Her arranged marriage, culture shock, and struggles to overcome familial problems, language barriers, and cultural shock when confronted by her exposure to American technology is also covered in the interview.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Luciano Bedini
2007
27 min
Luciano immigrated with his family as a young age in search of a better life. He describes their seven year wait to obtain a Visa and the scrutinization that accompanied it.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Luis Dos Santos
2007
42 min
Luis Dos Santos, a 35 year old WestConn Police Officer is a first generation immigrant from Portugal. Dos Santos discusses Portugese Immigration and the differing cultural aspects of American and Portugese society as well as the assimilation and cultural deviations necessitated by living in America.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Margarete Deutseh
2007
33 min
Margarete and her mother left Austria to escape the Germans. She describes the journey of her brother and sister and the tragic loss of her father. She goes on to describe the later years of her life in America including how she met her husband Ted.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Marie Borgia
2007
12 min
Marie Borgia was born in Sicily with the onset of the Great Depression, followed by World War II. She recounts the story of her brother who served for the Allies in WWII and was taken prisoner. She talks of her arrival in America and the difficulties faced at Ellis Island. She goes on to tell of her assimilation of American culture while maintaining a constant connection to her homeland.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Marte Landgrebe
2007
20 min
Marte describes her duties as a Probate Judge and her motiviations and influences to becoming a judge. She goes on to discuss immigration issues including foreign adoptions and immigration laws.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Miriam Xiquez
2007
36 min
Miriam immigrated to the United States after the Communist Government takeover. She discuses her rationale for immigrating as well as the process for obtaining the necessary paperwork.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Munir Fahreddine
2007
28 min
Mr. Fahreddine relates his experiences living in Lebanon as a youth to his move to America seeking better employment opportunities. Similarities between Lebanon and Danbury Ct. are covered, as is the subjects life as a translator, aviation enthusiast, and New York Times employee.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Sabaythip Oumsou
2007
44 min
WestConn Newbury Hall Resident Director Sabay discuss her childhood strugles being born during the Vietnam War, being placed in a refugee camp and her familial struggles of assimilation to American culture and society.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Sabaythip Oumsou
2007
23 min
Sabaythip describes how she and her family coped with assimilating American language and culture.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Morne van Stadn
2007
34 min.
Interview with Morne van Staden about his immigration to the U.S. from Eastern South Africa.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Quinten Metk
2007
24 min.
Quinten Metke immigrated to the United States in 1980 from Canda and details his own journey to America and the similar cultural sentiments of the border nation.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Adityen Sandhhu
2007
8 min.
Adityen discusses sterotypes of India. And describes his immigrant life which lead him across the globe and eventually to the United States. He goes on to discuss the impact of all of the moving on his life.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Basil Wasiczko
2007
32 min
Mr Wasciczko tells of growing up in Nazi occupied Poland and its transformation to a Soviet satellite after the defeat of Hitler. Upon his arrival in America, the subject was employed by some important U.S. firms and speaks with pride of his American citizenship.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Billy Vu
2007
32 min
Billy Vu tells the story of his family's decision to leave Communist Vietnam, live temporarily in a Hong Kong refugee camp, and finally to make a new life in the Danbury area. He describes the difficult conditions in the refugee camp and the birth of his younger sister there. The Vu family arrived in the United States with the help of church sponsorship and family members in the area. He had difficulties in school early on because of limited English proficiency, but went on to become completely fluent. He is now studying economics at Western Connecticut State University. He describes how he and his family adjusted to life and work here, and how the family managed well financially. He shares his views regarding perceptions and treatment of immigrants in the greater Danbury area.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Bridget Boylan
2007
32 min
Mrs. Bridget Boylan recounts her life history, beginning in Aughaicliffe, Ireland to her settlement in Mount Kisco, New York. She describes growing up in a farming family and limited opportunities in Ireland. Her father was a prominent figure in her community and was involved with the IRA. She first settled in New York City, where she had relatives. Later she met her husband, also from Ireland, and settled in Mount Kisco, New York. The couple had eight children. She describes her adjustment to American culture, as well as a continuing identification Irish ethnicity and culture.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Carmine Hea
2007
27 min
Carmine immigrated from Italy and has lived in the United States for seven years. He describes his life in America as a Chef, he has recieved various awards for having the best pizza in the country.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Francesco D. Piselli
2007
34 min
Francesco describes the state of his homeland after WWII and goes on to tell of his family's immigration. He describes the financial motivations of many Italian immigrants, including his own family's.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Helen Fahey Roche
2007
35 min.
Helen Roche was born of turn of the century immigrant parents. She presents the life of Michael Fahey, her father, the hardships of the era which forced him to immigrate, his service in WWI and goes on to detail his first encounter with African Americans. Furthermore she details her own life and her acquisition and retention of her Irish Heritage and culture in the United States.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Joseph DeSantis
2007
24 min
Joseph DeSantis served in the Italian Army, met his wife in Israel. After a divorce, he sought to re-connect with his daughter in the United States. He came to the United States in search of her, he adapted to life in the U.S. easily, finding work as an electrician and taught himself English by watching episodes of Matlock.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with John Hartcorn
2007
36 min.
John Hartcorn's experience coming to America
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Luljita Ismaili
2007
28 min.
She discusses her hardships, joys, and family experiences, as well as her experiences with the immigration process here in America.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Hertha Debrizzi
2007
5 min
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Shalu
2007
24 min
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Mary Birch
2007
28 min
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with M.W.
2007
25 min
M.W. describes her immigration to the United States from Argentina. She discuses the transition from the large urban center to the small rural enviorment. She goes on to describe the Educational systems of Argentina and the United States.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Shalu
2007
25 min
In the interview Shalu describes her family history and how she came the U.S. from India. She provides details regarding her arranged marriage and the process of gaining U.S. citizenship. She compares the status of women in India and the U.S.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History
Oral history interview with Alex
2007
30 min.
Alex arrived in Somers, New York from Bosnia at the age of 22. She describes conditions in Bosnia, including how the war of 1992-95 affected her family, and why she moved to the U.S. She explains the differences she has noticed between Bosnian and American culture. She felt restricted in her life in Bosnia and values the freedom and opportunities she has in the U.S.
Immigration and Memory Project
Oral History