West Florida News

U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has announced a new interview in the Veterans History Project series, featuring United States Army veteran Phillip Stotz of Venice, Florida. The project aims to highlight the accomplishments and military careers of veterans from Florida's 17th District.

In a statement, Rep. Steube expressed his gratitude to Stotz for sharing his story of being drafted into the Vietnam War. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions and experiences of veterans, stating, "So many of our country's veterans didn't ever plan on serving, but their contributions and experiences are an integral part of our nation's history."

During the interview, Stotz reflected on his time in the military. He revealed that his original goal was to work in the farm machinery industry, but his plans were interrupted when he was drafted in 1968. Despite not wanting to participate in the military, Stotz made the best of it by attending Officer Candidate School.

Describing his experience in Vietnam, Stotz mentioned being issued a flak jacket and gas mask. He initially carried them around but eventually decided to get rid of the gas mask due to its weight. Stotz admitted that there were moments of fear and complacency during his service, but towards the end, the fear resurfaced as he realized that anything could happen and jeopardize his return home.

The full interview can be watched on Congressman Steube's YouTube channel, with a link provided in the announcement. The Office of Congressman Greg Steube will also submit the interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress's American Folklife Center. The project aims to collect, preserve, and make accessible the personal accounts of veterans for future generations.

Established in 2000, the Veterans History Project collects oral histories, photographs, manuscripts, and other original materials to supplement historical texts and provide valuable cultural resources. Veterans from all branches and ranks of the United States military who served in World War I through more recent conflicts are eligible to participate.

For those residing in Florida's 17th congressional district, there is an opportunity to participate in the Veterans History Project. More information can be found on Congressman Steube's official website.

The Veterans History Project serves as a vital resource for researchers, scholars, and educators, providing firsthand accounts of military service. By preserving these stories, future generations can gain a better understanding of the sacrifices made by veterans.

To learn more about the Veterans History Project, visit their official website at https://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Click this link to access more information: https://steube.house.gov/press-releases/u-s-rep-greg-steube-announces-veteran-history-project-interview-featuring-u-s-army-veteran-phillip-stotz/