The week before Thanksgiving we made two remote visits in New York City.

One was a full day, connecting with five classes of students in the arts, at a large traditional high school. Miles Megaciph, performing his vivid stories via the medium of hip-hop reached these young people in a special way. Miles spoke of his time in the Marines, including when he was stationed in Guantanamo and Okinawa. They raised a number of interesting questions and made some heartfelt comments:

>If you had the option, would you enlist again?
>My brother left the military because the sergeant abused him. Does that happen in the military or was he just unlucky?
>What helped you get through the trauma and the pain?
>How does it feel to you to hear veterans and those who died for their country called suckers and losers?
>This is so genuinely moving and inspiring. I’m so glad to know others think this way.
>Yes, this is incredible. I feel so validated. Thank you so much.

The other visit was to two Ethics classes at a public college. Lyle Rubin shared his story and his screen showing some photos from his stint in Afghanistan, where he as well was in the Marines. The students asked numerous questions based on his talk and relating to their studies. They included:

>How does the dehumanization and depersonalization process impact veterans/active soldiers when they return back to the U.S.? How does it affect their assimilation back into society?
>Does dehumanization affect drone pilots differently than regular combat troops?
>Is there a correlation between the dehumanization and depersonalization process and PTSD from serving?
>Do you think the ‘othering’ of people is carried on within the U.S. too?

We are beginning preparations for our last visit of 2020 which will be to a suburban NY community college.