Lynda L. Barton (nee Bettison )

Strength in the face of danger.

Von Ormy, Texas

April 6, 2015

Jacob Seymour

Palo Alto College

History 1302 - Spring 2015

 

INTRODUCTION
TRANSCRIPTION
ANALYSIS
TIMELINE

 

INTRODUCTION

Lynda L. Barton was born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1943 to parents LaVerna and Cliffton Bettison. Her father was a civilian employee for the United Sates Navy and had to move around for his job. Lynda spent a few years in California then moved to San Antonio, Texas, in 1947 at the age of four. She attended a Lutheran elementary school until the second grade. Her father had to relocate for his job to Midwest City, Oklahoma. Lynda attended another Lutheran school there until the tenth grade. Her family returned to San Antonio, where Lynda graduated from a Lutheran high school. In 1961 she married, he still husband, Robert Barton. Shortly after, Lynda found a job with USAA insurance company and later became the chief operating officer for a private medical practice. She and her husband raised four children (Karry, Robert, Chris, and Kelly). She is a very conservative woman in her political views and a devout Methodist. She is a wonderful, loving woman and she is my grandmother-in-law.

 

 

TRANSCRIPTION

Did your husband spend any time overseas during the Vietnam War?
Yes he did. He flew missions out of the air base in Pease, New Hampshire. He also spent some time in England.

What was the reaction of the American people to the Vietnam War? Specifically where you were located?
Well, I was located on an air base in New Hampshire at the time… There was a sense of security and comradery where we were. Now, I know there was a lot of dissent among the civilians as to their feelings towards the Vietnam War, but in the military you don't feel that. The guys are doing a job, they swore an allegiance to the United States and to protect it.

How did you hear news about the war?
I relied heavily on the T.V. and the radio.

With the benefit of hindsight, what is your opinion on the Vietnam War now?
We should have had a more aggressive strategy over there… nobody likes a war. I don't like a war… but we are not the strong symbol we used to be… and it is a foolhardy decision.

Do you think the United States should implement a Draft again?
You know Israel? Their young people, once they leave high school, go and receive basic military training… I think there needs to be a basic level of preparedness among the people of the United States. I don't believe we need a draft, but I believe our people should have some level of preparedness.

How do you think this generation has responded to the war in the Middle East? Is it similar to the reaction your generation had to the Vietnam War?
It was difficult for those who deeply, in their hearts, wanted to serve their country and felt a sense of pride in it, but couldn't show it when they got home. So that is very different. I think the majority of people now have respect for our military coming home. They may not like the war, they may not agree with it, but their attitude toward it is better.

Is there anything else you would like to add to this interview?
No, I don't believe so.

 

 

ANALYSIS

I think the most important part of this interview is perspective. Like so many others, I looked at the Vietnam War through the lens of the counter-culture movement. Many Americans during the time were avidly protesting the war and could be seen standing off against police and other government enforcement agencies. From this interview, however, I learned about another side of America. Lynda described to me what life was like for people who were just trying to survive the war. She, as well as many others across the country, only wanted their loved ones to return from combat safely. They did not march on Washington. They did not protest and confront authorities. Not saying those are negative actions, but most Americans were trying to be as supportive and string as they could be for their loved ones overseas. The strength of these people and their silent suffering are still relevant today. There are still families, today, who overcome the mental and physical obstacles of having a loved one fighting over-seas. I believe these people, like Lynda Barton, deserve to be mentioned. They deserve to be recognized for their strength, courage, and love for their families. It was my honor to interview her and to share her story.

 

 

TIMELINE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

www.youtube.com
www.usaa.com
www.phoenix.gov
www.ushistory.org
www.pbs.org

 

 

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