2008 Woodie Awards
PC Alum and WWII Veteran Speaks to Students
Kylie Lacey '11
Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: News
On Wednesday, Sept. 24, former Providence College student George Fisher lectured to the College's ROTC troop about his experiences during World War II. One of the organizers of the lecture, Cadet Sara Stowell '09, shared her gratitude for Fisher's coming to speak.
"He is the last of the veterens from the PC program that can still travel," she said. "We are so lucky to have him here."
Before Fisher began speaking, Stowell shared her awe at the basic, minimalist training Fisher underwent before he was sent overseas.
"In 1942, he was sent to Tennessee for combat training," said Stowell. "Because of the lack of supplies, he did firearm training with broomsticks. It is so inspiring to hear him speak and share his story."
Another ROTC student, Ryan Grady '11, insisted he too was eager to hear Fisher speak.
"I am very interested in what [Fisher] has to say," said Grady. "There really aren't too many WWII veterans left, and they're going quickly. I'm looking forward to listening to an important piece of history."
LTC Christopher S. Houston, Assistant Professor of Military Science, introduced Fisher to the cadets. He began with a question, inviting the ROTC students to examine their own military knowledge.
"How many of you consider yourself to be a reasonable historian?" he said.
After noting the hands raised, Houston commented that even with the knowledge that many may have regarding the battles and events of WWII, he did not think anyone in the room could comprehend the actual experience.
"I don't think anyone in this room will ever be able to understand what Fisher and his colleagues went through," he said.
Fisher described the environment of the United States before he came to PC for the 1943-44 school year.
"After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the U.S. changed drastically," he said. "Rationing went into place and you couldn't buy red meat or gas or anything without ration stamps, which only allowed for small quantities."
"He is the last of the veterens from the PC program that can still travel," she said. "We are so lucky to have him here."
Before Fisher began speaking, Stowell shared her awe at the basic, minimalist training Fisher underwent before he was sent overseas.
"In 1942, he was sent to Tennessee for combat training," said Stowell. "Because of the lack of supplies, he did firearm training with broomsticks. It is so inspiring to hear him speak and share his story."
Another ROTC student, Ryan Grady '11, insisted he too was eager to hear Fisher speak.
"I am very interested in what [Fisher] has to say," said Grady. "There really aren't too many WWII veterans left, and they're going quickly. I'm looking forward to listening to an important piece of history."
LTC Christopher S. Houston, Assistant Professor of Military Science, introduced Fisher to the cadets. He began with a question, inviting the ROTC students to examine their own military knowledge.
"How many of you consider yourself to be a reasonable historian?" he said.
After noting the hands raised, Houston commented that even with the knowledge that many may have regarding the battles and events of WWII, he did not think anyone in the room could comprehend the actual experience.
"I don't think anyone in this room will ever be able to understand what Fisher and his colleagues went through," he said.
Fisher described the environment of the United States before he came to PC for the 1943-44 school year.
"After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the U.S. changed drastically," he said. "Rationing went into place and you couldn't buy red meat or gas or anything without ration stamps, which only allowed for small quantities."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Diane Broggy
posted 10/03/08 @ 9:01 AM EST
Excellent article. Some very interesting facts, that your average person would not be aware of.
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