Midlands Technical College students, faculty and staff collected these items for the Veterans History Project. The items are on display outside the Airport Campus Library. Through the efforts of volunteers nationwide, the Veterans History Project honors and preserves the stories of American veterans. Now, Midlands Technical College students and staff are joining in the efforts.

The Veterans History Project (VHP), which was created by the US Congress in 2000, archives first- hand accounts of US military service and the stories of civilians who actively supported war efforts. Following outlined procedures, VHP volunteers obtain everything from audio and video recordings of veterans, wartime photos and documents, and personal letters and memoirs. Volunteers then submit the materials to the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, where they are cataloged and maintained for public viewing.

Hundreds of MTC students and approximately 30 MTC faculty and staff are already involved in the project. Lead faculty and staff for the project are Mary Rawls, MTC Human Services Program director; and Diane Carr, MTC English Department chair. Other actively involved faculty and staff represent many MTC departments including English, history, human services, psychology, political science and Spanish.

"The primary goal of the project is to give voice to the veterans whose service has allowed Americans to enjoy a great quality of life," said Rawls. "Many of our students, faculty, and staff are veterans or currently serve. It is important for the college community to recognize their service and sacrifice by telling their story."

According to Rawls, the benefits of this project extend beyond the preservation of history; the project allows students to engage in service learning. Through service learning, students not only gain critical knowledge and skills related to their studies, they also provide community service further enhancing their civic responsibility, personal pride, and academic development.

MTC student Terri Pope is also helping coordinate MTC's efforts in the project. Pope is a member of the Human Services Student Organization, where she works with students, faculty, and staff to help facilitate the project.

"At this point, we're ready to start implementing this project, and all plans are starting to come together," said Pope. "I'm very passionate about service- learning projects like this, and I want to see it get off to a good start."

Midlands Technical College is currently seeking veterans for student interviews. Any veteran who would like to participate, please call Christ Ward at (803) 738-7788. For more information on the national Veterans History Project, visit visit www.loc.gov/vets.