Vietnam War veteran shares story of overcoming obstacles

War veteran shares story of overcoming obstacles

Posted: Monday, March 5, 2012 9:02 pm
Meredith Moriak
Humor and emotion were used to share a variety of lessons like don't text while driving, don't consider suicide an option and stray away from drugs and alcohol with students at Lee Freshman High School on Monday morning.

Dave Roever, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient turned public speaker, shared his story and life lessons with a gymnasium full of students.

In 1968, Roever was drafted into the Vietnam War. Uninterested in serving in the Army, Roever enlisted in the Navy.

Previous time in college made Roever a leader, according to naval officials, and he was sent to train with Navy Seals in California.

"They taught me how to do things I thought I would never do," Roever said. "However, they never taught me the tough stuff like how to kiss your bride goodbye."

Throughout the presentation, Roever reiterated positive traits of a strong marriage, like how he waited to have sex until marriage and how it's important to treat women with respect.

As a riverboat gunner in the Brown Water Black Beret in 1969, Roever was burned beyond recognition when a phosphorous grenade exploded in his hand. He was set to throw the grenade at the enemy, but was shot by a sniper after pulling the pin.
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