Harry Theodoris
Harry "THEO" Theodoris was drafted into the US Army in 1968 from his hometown of Trenton, New Jersey. He completed basic training at Ft. Campbell, KY and advanced infantry training at Ft. Lewis, WA. Theo served as an infantryman ("grunt") from Mar-Oct 1969 in the jungles and rice paddies with the 11th Brigade, America Division.
He also served 22 more years as a Drill Sergeant to "pay back" his fellow grunts that mentored him while he was "in-country", and to share lessons learned with those who were filling the boots of past veterans.
At the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Era Educational Center, he most enjoys seeing visitors personally connect with the past. He calls it his "welcome home". Theo has volunteered as a Tour Guide at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial since 2008. He wants younger generations to remember his fellow soldiers who gave their lives for their country, and to understand the sacrifices of all those who served. Theo (his "grunt" name) finds that personalizing the Vietnam experience by sharing the Memorial, and personal stories, is most effective.