A group of teens incarcerated in the Graham County Juvenile Detention Facility learned about military life when veterans visited the center June 23.

The visiting veterans, who shared their experiences in military conflicts, were part of the county’s Teen Outreach Program — a grant-funded program that is part of the teen pregnancy prevention program, said Niki Clonts, the program’s community service and learning coordinator.

The young offenders showed the veterans murals they painted on the walls of the C Pod exercise yard. The murals were a service project that is part of the TOP program.

Military veterans George Hamilton, left, and Steve Oller, talk about their experiences in military service to inmates in the Graham County Juvenile Detention Facility. Photo by Diane Saunders

The murals included a large American flag with the seals of each branch of the military bordering the bottom. A second mural paid tribute to POWs and MIAs from the Vietnam War.

On another wall, the boys painted replicas of the seals of Graham and Greenlee counties.

“They really enjoyed it. They did a really good job for me,” said Lt. Terry Lemley, chief of security and accreditation manager of the facility. “I’m really proud of my boys.”

The veterans — George Hamilton, Steve Oller, Mark Hilliard and Lester Ballard — answered questions from the juvenile offenders. One of the teens asked what kind of food soldiers ate while serving in a combat zone.

Hamilton, a World War II veteran who requires oxygen, described the military rations, then added, “There were always four cigarettes in the package. Now look where I am.”

The veterans quickly noted that military food rations no longer include tobacco products.

Steve Oller, a Vietnam veteran, said, “Sometimes we’d shoot a monkey.”

Hilliard, who served in Iraq, said soldiers could eat at KFC, Burger King and other fast-food places “right there in a war zone.”

Questions posed to the veterans covered several topics, including racism, weapons, injuries, awards and readjusting to society outside the military.

Clonts said several juvenile offenders want to write to service members from Graham County. They would also appreciate any biographical information local family members can share. Anyone who can provide information can contact Clonts at 428-7690.