2016 Liberty Gala Oral History Overview, by Vietnam Veteran Colonel (Retired) Eugene F. Scott

A participant in the Museum & Library's Holt Oral History Program, retired Colonel Eugene F. Scott introduces the Stories of Service video at the Museum & Library's 2016 Liberty Gala.

Colonel (Retired) Eugene F. Scott commanded tank forces and was the principal staff officer for Training and Operations for the 8th Infantry Division Combat Ready Force. He was twice deployed overseas to Vietnam, serving as one of the hundreds of thousands of American soldiers in Vietnam. Scott's military service ended in 1990, but he has continued to serve the Chicago community. He served as manager and publisher of The Chicago Daily Defender, and for 22 years led the Chicago Defender Charities where he organized the annual Bud Billiken Parade. He continues to serve Chicagoland and contribute to the well-being of our community.

Sponsored by the Seedlings Foundation and in memory of Tuskegee Airman Coleman Thompson Holt, the Holt Oral History Program is dedicated to conserving the unique Stories of Service of the Citizen Soldier—not just high ranking officers, recognizable faces from history, or soldiers who have had their stories told already—but every man and woman, from all walks of life, who has served and sacrificed for our country.