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Friday, 18 May 2012

Snowhill Students Experience History ^Featured

WRITTEN_BY Randall W. Ark
Thursday, 19 January 2012 11:32
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On January 10, 2012, Snowhill School students were able to view and sit in an authentic 1968 M725 Vietnam ambulance, as well as an M715 "5/quarter" truck. These students are members of Mr. Larry Marple's History Club, a club which has been in existence since the fall of 2008. Mr. Marple stated that he wanted students to learn more about history, especially American history, and he wanted to show them that "learning history can be enjoyable and exciting."

Mr. Marple arranged for Mike Spradlin, a local collector of military artifacts and paraphernalia, to bring a couple of his military vehicles from the Vietnam era to Snowhill School on W. Harding Rd. for the students to see. Mr. Spradlin told me that he located this Vietnam ambulance in Albany, Indiana. It had been parked in a woods next to a river for about 15 years, and had not been started for eight to ten years. With the help of his good friend, Jeff Hazlett, Mike was able to get this vehicle up and running again. It is nothing short of amazing what Mike and Jeff have accomplished so that these students and others can experience, first hand, vehicles, that were actually used in the Vietnam War.

My Purple Heart Commander, Dave Bauer, and myself, were also invited to speak to the students and answer any questions they might have about the war, or how the vehicles were used. The students were very attentive, polite, and curious. Mr. Marple told me that there are generally about 80 students per school year that sign up for the History Club and that he splits them between two semesters. The students represent grades 4th thru 6th.

When we all arrived at Snowhill School, we were greeted warmly by the students, Mr. Jason M. Clark, the Principal, and Mr. Larry Marple, who also teaches science and social studies there. As a former teacher, I felt right at home with these students. I am so pleased that our nation's history is being examined and discussed at Snowhill School.

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