Gray Stone Day School News Service

Gray Stone Day School is hosting a series of talks featuring veterans who have served in wars around the world. The series kicked off with retired Lt. Richard Lowder, a native of Stanly County and a graduate of N.C. State University. After completing his studies, Lowder joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was commissioned as a second lieutenant after attending Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia.

Lowder shared his experiences as an Infantry Rifle Platoon Commander during the Vietnam War, where he served from December 1967 to December 1968. Using photographs he took with his Kodak Instamatic camera during his 13 months of deployment, he gave students a vivid glimpse into the realities of life on the front lines.

He described the harsh conditions in Vietnam, emphasizing the relentless heat, humidity and rain. He spent his entire time in the field, sleeping on the ground and bathing in rivers or makeshift showers. His only shelter was a poncho used as a tent.

Lowder also highlighted the geographical diversity of Vietnam, from its coastline to its mountainous regions. He recounted the frigid conditions in the mountains and the unique challenges soldiers faced in areas where the ground was so soft that it felt like walking on sponges — sometimes sinking waist-deep into the muck.

One of his platoon’s key responsibilities was keeping a main highway open for supply trucks, a task that often involved skirmishes with enemy forces. Lowder stressed the importance of his shovel, which he used to dig foxholes for protection. He brought with him examples of the equipment he carried, offering students a glimpse into how much military gear has evolved since his time in Vietnam.

Students were shown the simple boxed meals soldiers received, which contained three canned meals. Lowder also reminded them of the limited communication soldiers had with their families, relying solely on letters — no cell phones, email or internet existed at the time. He also did not have GPS and with only a compass and a map, had to lead his troops to each new location.

One of the more memorable aspects of his time in Vietnam was his interactions with local children. Lowder fondly recalled watching them play with water buffalo, even riding and swimming with them. He noted that the water buffalo would sometimes chase the soldiers, perhaps in response to their unfamiliar scent.

Despite being injured twice and spending time on a hospital ship, Lowder returned to duty. In 2004, he revisited Vietnam with a friend and met a Vietnamese man who had fought on the opposite side during the war. Through an interpreter, they discovered they were both farmers and expressed gratitude for meeting as friends.

Praising the presentation, Gray Stone Chief Administrative Officer Helen Nance said, “This was everything I was hoping for. The students will learn about the Vietnam War in their history classes, but I wanted them to understand what it was like to actually be there. Lowder was so honest and engaging. It was great to hear what he was willing to share.”

After the presentation, Lowder shared with a smaller group that his experiences in Vietnam gave him a lasting appreciation for having a roof over his head, a bed to sleep in, and a warm shower.

Gray Stone’s speaker series will continue with more veterans sharing their stories in the coming months. The school, a public charter, is free to attend.