Student-Veteran Oral History Project
Dustin Thomas Interview
Interviewer Name
Hailey Stamper
Context for Interview
Thomas volunteered to be interviewed for Dr. Higbee’s ENGL 468: Oral History course to examine the transition from military to college, as well as examining how military experience has changed student’s college experience.
Brief Description of Interview
The interview focuses on Thomas’s military experience. He joined the Air Force out of high school and was deployed to Saudi Arabia after September 11th, 2001. His service ended before his enlisted time was completed, as he volunteered to end his service early. Thomas discusses how his family helped to sway him towards joining the military and the strains that the military put upon his relationships and personal life. Dustin now attends the University of South Carolina Aiken, studying mechanical engineering. He is married for the second time and has a 9-year-old stepson. He hopes to transfer to USC Columbia to continue working for his degree and wishes to travel more in the future.
Location of Interview
RPSEC
Duration of Interview
29 min
Date of Birth
1980
Birthplace
Shelbyville, TN
Gender
M
Dates of Service
1999-2004
Branch/Units of Service
Air Force; 20th Emergency Maintenance Squadron
Theaters/Locations of Service
Shaw AFB; Saudi Arabia
Highest Rank Attained
E-4
Major Course of Study
Mechanical engineering
Previous College/University Experience
Augusta Tech
Publication Info
2019.
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