David Martin Interview Essay

America has endured many challenges over its lifespan, but what did Americans living through those conflicts of the past think during the time? David Martin was kind enough to share his thoughts and experiences through such trials. He survived the Vietnam War, the Kent State shootings, and the Cold War, wrote the security doctrine for the Air Force, worked on making the country safer following 9/11, not to mention his countless other experiences he was unable to elaborate on. To truly understand the American obstacles of the past, an interview was utilized to examine his life and opinions, until a formal understanding was gained and was able to be combined both with the general information surrounding those events and his own experiences. David Martin’s life displays the changes America has endured in getting involved with the Vietnam War and over the decades, what the average citizen thought of it, and what they did in response.

The Vietnam War was a conflict that would …show more content…
I had been in high school in Stow with one of the National Guard soldiers. My wife and I had seen previous protests against the Vietnam war while attending Kent, but only as by-standers going between classes. Mary (his wife) once was walking through the Administration building when it suddenly was closed off. She found herself with other students having guns pointed at them by police from the balcony of the large open area of the building. Needless to say that was a frightening experience. The students were suddenly released through the main entrance after news crews had been set up (it appeared to be intentionally staged). She had to call her parents and let them know she wasn't involved in any protest and was part of a large group of innocent students just trying to walk to class.” (Martin,