If you’re trying to learn more about a veteran’s story, here are thoughtful questions you can ask, organized by theme to help you capture a rich, respectful narrative. Core questions
- What prompted you to join the military, and what were your first thoughts on enlisting or being drafted?
- Can you describe your first day of service and what you remember most about basic training?
- What was your primary job or assignment, and what did a typical day look like for you?
Deployment and experiences
- Where did you serve, and what challenges did you face there?
- Were you ever in combat or dangerous situations? How did you cope in those moments?
- What’s a moment from your service you wish more people understood?
Relationships and camaraderie
- Who were the people you met that left a lasting impression, and why?
- How did you stay in touch with family and friends back home during your service?
- Were there any mentors or leaders who made a big difference in your experience?
Life at home and transitions
- How did civilian life feel when you returned home? What was hardest to adjust to?
- How did your military experience influence your career and personal life afterward?
- Did you participate in veterans organizations or community activities after leaving the service?
Perspective and meaning
- What do you wish civilians understood about military service?
- Is there a single moment or achievement you’re most proud of from your time in the service?
- How has your view of service, sacrifice, or war evolved over time?
Probing but respectful follow-ups
- You mentioned [briefly reference their earlier point]; could you tell me more about that?
- What lesson from your service would you pass on to younger generations?
- Are there any memories you’re not ready to share yet, and how would you like to tell those stories in the future?
Practical tips for interviewing
- Start with easy, non-triggering questions to build comfort, then gradually move to deeper topics.
- Use open-ended prompts (tell me about, describe a moment, what did you feel) rather than yes/no questions.
- Respect boundaries; if a topic seems painful, acknowledge it and offer to skip or revisit later.
- Thank them for their service and explain how you’ll use and honor their story.
- If you plan to publish or share the interview, discuss permissions, attribution, and privacy upfront.
If you’d like, tell me a bit about the veteran’s background (branch, era, location, whether the conversation is in-person or via interview), and I can tailor a customized list of questions that fits their story arc and comfort level.
