Dr Joseph Rix PhD
Dr Joseph Rix, graduated with a PhD in history after 4 years of research into anti-war servicepeople against the Vietnam War. He did this through analysis of the Lewis-McChord Free Press, a newspaper published by servicepeople and veterans on the military bases of Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base, Tacoma, Washington.
His study re-conceptualised the GI Movement, arguing that it was not only an anti-war phenomenon but that it was part of a broader progressive social movement which fought against other social ills, including racism, sexism, and imperialism. A desire to oppose the Vietnam War, as well as combat these social problems, eventually led to these young men (and women also) becoming attracted to communism, and eventually tentatively supporting a second American revolution.
During his studies, Dr Rix had the opportunity to fly to Seattle, Washington, to interview the GIs who published the newspaper he studied. He said of the experience “It was fascinating to actually hear from those who pressed the typewriter keys which resulted created the Lewis-McChord Free Press. They were extremely gracious hosts and wonderful people, and I am very glad to have met them and recorded their stories.”
Speaking of his time as a doctoral student, Dr Rix said “I am elated to be graduating as it is something that felt so far away when I was actually writing my thesis and it now feels that my hard work has finally paid off”.
“I have loved my four years at the University and have grown so much, not only as a historian but also as a person. It has been an extremely rewarding experience, and I have met so many people that I will never forget.”