Before becoming the history teacher at Lafayette, Vince DeBlasi spent time serving our country.

lhsimage.com asks DeBlasi a few questions about his experiences in his time spent in the military.

Q: What branch of the military were you in, and what was your rank?
A: “I was in the Army – Signal Intelligence branch.  I had a security clearance so I can’t tell you much other than I dealt with Morse Code and I had some language skills that required me to eavesdrop on people.  I loved my job.”

Q: What was the most memorable experience in the Army?
A: “The best part of my military experience was that I was able to travel the world.  I lived in Germany, Japan and Italy.  My favorite place was Germany; the people were really cool and I skied the Alps every winter!  Plus, I took up cycling and started racing for a German club in the city of Augsburg.”

Q: How did you first become interested in joining the Army?
A: “My family has a history of military service and I couldn’t afford college.  I went down to the recruiter and the Army was offering the best college deal at the time.”

Q: Would you say it influenced your decision to become a world history teacher?
A: “It totally influenced me.  I traveled all over the world and I didn’t really know what these beautiful paintings, buildings and cultures were all about.  So I started to go to college so I could dig deeper.  The one aspect of the military that really influences my teaching is that I have been to most of the places we study every day so I can add my own insight and stories.”

Q: Would you consider going back to the military?
A: “Actually, I would love to get back into the military but with three boys and a wonderful wife – I can’t.  I do miss my time spent in the Army.  I got to meet so many cool people and go to exciting places and I was young enough that I could really run around and appreciate it. It was the best!”