US Marines member and 2003 BHS graduate, Dan Allen, visited with all social studies classes on Wednesday June 1st to tell all about his memories during the current war in Iraq. Including stories from his trips to Kuwait, Singapore, Iraq, Hawaii, Australia and Maldives.
Telling students about good and bad times in the marines has made more students appreciate the work soldiers have done in the past ten years.
“I think it made me realize that the Marines are working really hard to protect the country,” said Junior Marissa DiOrio, “It’s great that they can do it and still have a good time, too.”
Allen brought in plenty of visuals for students to see including helmets, weapon holsters, boots and outfits they wore. He also showed videos of his times on the ships, working with tanks and showing how he spent his holidays with his closest friends, his unit members.
“If there was a reason to celebrate, we did,” said Allen. He talked about how it was important to still have a good time because you don’t get to throw many parties other wise. Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, you name it and there was a cake.
Allen comes every year typically around the same time as his friend Gary Gullickson, the US Marine Vietnam veteran and shares many stories of the same eerie nature. In any case, hearing the stories from 2005 versus 1965 can touch many and inspire others.
