Vietnam vet on sharing story: ‘Never let a good scar go to waste’

OAKWOOD — A Vietnam War veteran severely disfigured when a grenade exploded inches from his face used his story today to inspire Oakwood students.

Dave Roever was hospitalized for 14 months, and still has to undergo surgeries decades later for his injuries.

“I was trying to throw a hand grenade and a sniper shooting at my head missed. But it hit my hand, the grenade,” he said. “The burns at 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit exploded six inches away from my face.”

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He urged the students to live drug-free, alcohol-free lives, and to live with integrity and respect.

“I am here for the people who have more scars on the inside than I have on the outside,” Roever said. “Never let a good scar go to waste.”

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Students said after hearing Roever’s story, they were able to let go of some anxieties.

“He definitely made everyone else’s problem seem really small because what he went through was so huge,” said Oakwood High School student Laney Teeters.

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