West Florida News

U.S. Representative Greg Steube has announced a new feature in the Veterans History Project Series, highlighting Specialist Joseph Julian of the United States Army. This installment focuses on Julian's experiences during the Vietnam War, showcasing the challenges faced by young Americans at that time.

Reflecting on his early days in Vietnam, Specialist Julian shared: “That first firefight, I said, ‘Lord, just get me through this.’ It was a moment where everything became real—the fear, the adrenaline, and the realization that life could end in a split second.” He also discussed the enduring impact of the war on himself and his fellow soldiers, including losing a close friend to ALS.

Congressman Steube commented on Julian’s narrative: “Specialist Joseph Julian’s story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by young men and women during Vietnam. He represents the courage and resilience of a generation that stepped up in the face of immense challenges. Preserving these stories is not just about honoring their service—it’s about ensuring future generations never forget the cost of freedom and the sacrifices made to secure it.”

The interview will be submitted to the Veterans History Project (VHP), an initiative by the Library of Congress's American Folklife Center aimed at collecting and preserving oral histories from U.S. military veterans. Established in 2000, VHP provides researchers and educators access to personal accounts from veterans across all military branches who served from World War I to more recent conflicts.

For those interested in participating or learning more about VHP, additional information can be found on Congressman Steube’s website or directly through VHP’s page at https://www.loc.gov/vets/.