Intern Spotlight

This is a series of spotlights on our NJVVMF interns. These students have dedicated their time to learn about our mission, work, and Veterans in order to gain first-hand experience within the Foundation. 

We are always looking to support interested students in any way we can at the NJVVMF. If you know of a high school senior or college student who is interested in interning with them people reach out to our Museum Educator, Keri A. Giannotti at kgiannotti@njvvmf.org

Interview with NJVVMF Intern Kyle Peschler

Why were you interested in interning with the NJVVMF?

For most of my life I have known about the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation.  Countless times I have passed the memorial on the Garden State Parkway.  As a child my parents would bring me to the memorial time and again so I could learn more about the Vietnam Era, a period that is rarely taught in schools.  The NJVVMF is a local institution that I wanted to be a part of.

What is the most exciting project you have worked on so far?

The most rewarding project I have done so far is photographing the Vietnam Veterans giving tours of the memorial and museum.  Each veteran has a unique story to share which makes each tour I shadow new and interesting.

How has this internship helped shape your career path?

Being a history major with a business minor, it is hard to blend the two together.  The NJVVMF has done an extraordinary job accomplishing this.  I am currently working with the marketing department helping them update their website and create content for their social media.  While working on the business end of the organization, I am still learning so much about the Vietnam Era by shadowing veteran tours and making history related content for social media. 

What is your favorite part of the internship?

My favorite part of the internship is spending time with the Vietnam Veterans.  Each of them have a unique story about the era which makes every tour they do fascinating.  With such great personalities, I walk into my internship everyday excited and unknowing about what is in store for me.  

How has interning with the NJVVMF changed your perception of the Vietnam War and Vietnam Era?

Before interning at the NJVVMF, I thought that many Vietnam Veterans shared the same view points.  After spending time with the veterans, I know I couldn’t have been more wrong.  The Vietnam Veterans have many different opinions based on the experiences they had during the era.