We’re keeping our November Veteran’s Month going by welcoming Scott Fisher, a Marine Corps veteran, historian, and dedicated Maui community member to the podcast! Scott shares his personal experiences as a marine deployed at Guantanamo Bay, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Okinawa, then describes his oral history project collecting stories from Maui WWII veterans and their families. Scott provides a deep and multifaceted perspective on service and the importance of both community and preserving our history.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Scott’s Early Life and Military Service:
- Growing up in Kula, Maui and enlisting in the Marine Corps at 17
- His training in infantry and explosives and his deployment to Guantanamo Bay
- Military Service in the Gulf War:
- Scott’s experience during the Gulf War in 1990, including his time in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and his role in Operation Desert Storm.
- Reflections on combat conditions and the emotional impact of service
- Oral History Project:
- Scott’s efforts to gather and preserve the stories of WWII veterans on Maui, emphasizing the importance of sharing these histories with future generations
- WWII History of Maui:
- A look at Maui’s role during World War II, including the Japanese submarine attacks on Kahului Harbor and espionage activities at Kula Hospital
- Personal stories of local Japanese American families, their struggles with the questioning of their loyalty during wartime, and the internment of Japanese Americans on Maui
- The emotional toll of war and the contributions of Japanese American families despite facing racism and suspicion
- Veterans Support and Mental Health:
- Scott’s thoughts on the quality of services he has received from the VA
Resources From This Episode:
- Maui Historical Society: https://mauimuseum.org/hale-hoikeike-museum
- Nisei Veterans Memorial Center: https://ndajams.omeka.net/collaborators-nvmc
- Hawaii Land Trust: https://www.hilt.org
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