DATE: January 23, 2008

CONTACT: Michael Morris, (864) 656-3545
morrism@clemson.edu

WRITER: Alex Hill, (864) 656- 2061
ahill2@clemson.edu

Department of Defense team to speak at Clemson

CLEMSON — A team of servicemen from the Department of Defense will speak at Clemson University at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, in the Strom Thurmond Institute. The theme will be "Experiences of U.S. Servicemen in The War Against Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It is important because most of the information we get about conflict and life overseas comes from major media outlets and we very rarely get to hear individual stories of those of us who have actually served overseas," said Air Force Capt. Edward Szczepanik.

The presentation is part of the Department of Defense's new "Why We Serve" initiative, an outreach program to connect service men and women with the American people.

"This event is important because it gives U.S. servicemen who have recently served in Afghanistan and Iraq the opportunity to give their perspectives to the Clemson University community," said political science professor Michael Morris. "This will help give students and others insights into the nature of U.S. responses to the global war on terror.

"This is a different perspective from the field not usually presented in the media," Morris said. "The audience also will have an opportunity to ask questions about U.S. involvement abroad; and for the servicemen, they will have the opportunity to exchange views with the general public."

The leader of the team, Ralph Chavez of the Navy, and several members of the team also will make a presentation in an introductory international relations class and two Spanish classes, along with a presentation to the ROTC group on campus.

"This program helps because we actually get to travel around the country and meet people face to face and share ideas and perspectives on a personal level," said Chavez.

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