10 Questions to Ask Veterans About Their Military Experiences

Every veteran has a story and it’s far more than uniforms, medals, or deployments. It’s a story of sacrifice, camaraderie, resilience, and transformation. Whether they served in wartime or peacetime, on the front lines or behind the scenes, veterans carry powerful memories and hard-earned wisdom.

Asking the right questions helps uncover those stories in a way that feels natural and respectful. At Life Story Interviews, I’ve had the honor of sitting down with veterans to document their lives, and I’ve developed a series of thoughtful, open-ended questions that invite reflection, laughter, and sometimes even healing.

Here are 10 of the best questions to ask veterans drawn from heartfelt interviews and designed to spark deep, meaningful conversation.

1. Can you tell me about where you grew up and what it was like?

Every story starts before the uniform. I begin most interviews with this question to give veterans a chance to ground their experience in childhood memories, family dynamics, and the environment that shaped their early years. You’d be surprised how many veterans light up talking about fishing with their grandfather, riding bikes through their hometown, or playing baseball with childhood friends. These stories lay the foundation for understanding who they were before service.

2. When did you enlist or get drafted, and what do you remember about that day?

The moment someone enters military service is rarely forgettable. Whether it was a carefully considered decision or a draft notice that turned their life upside down, this question always opens the door to powerful storytelling. Some remember walking into a recruiting office with a sense of purpose; others recall the stunned silence around the dinner table when they shared the news with family.

3. What was basic training like for you?

This is one of my favorite moments in veteran interviews. From grueling drills to unexpected friendships, basic training is often the first shock to the system and the start of a transformation. This question brings out humorous anecdotes, lessons in perseverance, and even memories of drill sergeants who made a lasting impact.

4. What are some things you remember most about your deployment?

Whether they served stateside or overseas, in combat zones or support roles, every deployment comes with moments that stay with them for life. This question lets veterans share the highs and lows from letters from home and inside jokes with their unit, to quiet moments of fear or purpose. It’s also a respectful way to ease into more serious reflections without forcing sensitive topics.

5. Is there someone you served with that you remember fondly?

Military friendships often run deeper than most. Asking about a specific person helps bring their stories to life. I’ve heard veterans talk about someone who helped them through a tough night, made them laugh when they needed it most, or inspired them with quiet courage. These are the stories that create real connection on camera and mean the world to family members watching later.

6. What was it like coming home from combat?

This question requires sensitivity, but it’s one of the most powerful parts of a veteran’s story. The return home can be filled with emotion relief, disorientation, grief, or joy. Veterans often open up about what they missed, how they reconnected with family, or what it was like to walk into a grocery store after a year overseas. It helps paint a complete picture of their service experience.

7. What was the transition to civilian life like for you?

Reentering civilian life is one of the most under-discussed aspects of military service. This question allows veterans to reflect on the challenges they faced, what helped them most, and what advice they’d give to others making the same transition. It also gives them a chance to celebrate accomplishments beyond the military, new careers, community involvement, or personal growth.

8. What are some of the important lessons you’ve learned in life?

This open-ended question always brings gold. Veterans often share values like discipline, loyalty, integrity, and gratitude. Others speak about the fragility of life, the strength of the human spirit, or the beauty of small everyday moments. It allows them to offer wisdom to younger generations and ensures their voice will continue to guide their family long after they’re gone.

9. Do you have advice for younger people considering military service?

Veterans often have strong feelings about service, both positive and complex. This question gives them the chance to share their honest perspective. Some encourage it wholeheartedly; others offer warnings about the sacrifices involved. Either way, it becomes a meaningful contribution to a family’s legacy, especially if younger members are considering following in their footsteps.

10. What do you want your family to remember about your service?

This final question is one of the most emotional and most impactful. It shifts the focus from memory to legacy. Veterans speak directly to their children, grandchildren, and future generations, often expressing pride, gratitude, and love. For families, it becomes a treasured message they’ll hold onto forever.

Your Story Matters

Veteran interviews are not just historical records they’re acts of honor. They preserve voices, values, and experiences that shaped our nation. And perhaps more importantly, they give veterans a moment to be seen, heard, and remembered.

At Life Story Interviews, we treat every story with the care and respect it deserves. Whether you’re a veteran yourself or want to help a loved one share their story, we’re here to help you preserve it beautifully, professionally, and permanently.

Let’s make sure these stories are never forgotten.