A ‘Silent Victim’: How Nature Becomes a Casualty of War

By Emily Anthes for the New York Times

Thursday November 30, 5:30 – 7:00 – Schurz Library Room301 and on Zoom

The veterans book club will be discussing – A ‘Silent Victim’: How Nature Becomes a Casualty of War by Emily Anthes for the New York Times.  This lengthy article explores how war impacts the earth and causes lasting environmental devastation.  Anthes is a science and health reporter for the New York Times. She interviews experts who explore the environmental impact of 20th and 21st century wars, including the current destruction in Ukraine.

Dr. Timothy Mousseau from the University of South Carolina will be our special guest facilitator.  He is quoted throughout the article and has done groundbreaking research on the impact of radiation exposure on organisms and ecosystems in Chernobyl and Fukushima.  Unsurprisingly, many experts are concerned that the war in Ukraine is stirring up potentially dangerous radioactive soil.

Everyone on campus and from our community is welcome to join the conversation.  You do not need to be a veteran to participate, just interested in reading and thoughtful conversation.   The meetings take place in room 301 of the IU South Bend Schurz Library and on Zoom.  For more information, a copy of the article or the Zoom link, please contact Rhonda Culbertson rculbert@iusb.edu

Healing Wounds

Healing Wounds: A Vietnam War Combat Nurse’s 10-Year Fight to Win Women a Place of Honor in Washington, D.C.

by Diane Carlson Evans 

Thursday Oct 19, 5:30

This memoir tells the story of a young women who was a Captain in the Army Nurse Corps and served as trauma nurse in Vietnam.  Her experiences led to her tireless work to establish a memorial on the National Mall to honor women who served under those difficult conditions.  She founded the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Project and continues her work in advocating for veterans.

Dr. Barb White, Vera Z. Dwyer Distinguished Chair of Nursing Practice, will be a special guest facilitator.  Dr. White is an engaging and enthusiastic teacher, with professional and personal experience in trauma nursing.  She was deeply affected by her visit to the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington D. C.  Her perspective on the book is sure to be informative and insightful. 

The meeting will take place in the Schurz Library 3rd conference room and on Zoom.  Please contact Rhonda Culbertson (rculbert@iusb) with questions or for the Zoom link or a copy of the book.