The College of the Ozarks will present its annual, free, patriotic play, October through November, on select dates.

The College of the Ozarks will present its annual, free, patriotic play, October through November, on select dates. Back by popular demand, the play is “Breaking the Silence: Stories of Vietnam Veterans,” which tells the stories of five heroes, all who have connections to the College.

This true story chronicles the lives of five Veterans: Army Nurse Lou Eisenbrandt; Army Colonel Tony Nadal; 1^st Marine Colonel Bill Duncan, otherwise known as Texas Pete; Colonel Donald “Doc” Ballard, Navy corpsman with the 4^th Marines and Medal of Honor recipient; and Sergeant John Ligato, Marine platoon leader. Each of these individuals have traveled with C of O through the Patriotic Education Travel Program.

The showing of a patriotic play is a fall tradition at College of the Ozarks. Performances take place in the Royal Oak Forum, located in The Keeter Center, and are free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; seating is first-come, first-served.

All performances are open to bus tour groups. The duration of the play is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. For more information and for reservations, call (417) 690-2929.

The showing of a patriotic play is a fall tradition at College of the Ozarks. Performances take place in the Royal Oak Forum, located in The Keeter Center.

Play Synopsis

When the Vietnam soldiers returned home, they were not met with parades, explosions of confetti, striking up of bands, cheers of joy, honoring ceremonies … nothing. Breaking the Silence is a play which tells these true stories with the hope that younger generations will recognize the sacrifices of their grandparents, the heartbreaking way American soldiers were treated as they returned home from Vietnam, and the disillusionment of anti-American philosophy which has pervaded our country.

“Out of the darkness of political misguidance from Washington surrounding the Vietnam War are the stories of the men and women who admirably served, shining like the setting sun,” said Mark Young, M.F.A., professor of theatre and playwright.

The play is based on the book Vietnam 101, by Dr. Jerry C. Davis, retired chancellor of College of the Ozarks, and adapted for the stage by Young.

“We focused a lot on the students in class and their interactions with the Veteran characters. The students are able to witness firsthand how impactful their performance is to the Veterans who came to see the show,” Young said.