The papers of Dennis L. Boyer are divided into three series: Activism, Military, and Photographs.
Activism (1971-1977) documents Boyer's interest and participation in many activist groups during the 1970's, particularly anti-war organizations. It contains flyers, literature, and posters from numerous anti-war organizations including Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW). National Steering Committee proceedings describe the goals and activities of the VVAW in 1973-1974, while chapter lists and regional and state coordinator rosters, newspaper clippings, and an objectives sheet give an idea of the breadth of the organization. Other materials describe VVAW protests and events at Valley Forge and Washington, DC. Several protest-related court cases are represented in the collection including the Gainesville and Riverside Conspiracies and the Karl Armstrong and Patrick Chenoweth cases. Attempts to gain amnesty for protesters and better benefits for veterans are shown in the National Council for Universal and Unconditional Amnesty and Veterans Bonus Coalition materials. Two CD-ROMs contain declassified FBI files on the VVAW and affiliated groups. Also included are materials related to Vietnam War-themed art and literature: a comic book, "The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers," which portrays the protest culture of the 1970's, a poem about the fighting by Shunka Monitu of Laos, and bibliographies of Vietnam War non-fiction and fiction books, which includes a video lecture by MSgt. Robert Need.
Military (1964-1975) consists mostly of photocopied letters Boyer received from his friends during his service with the Air Force in the Vietnam War. Most of the letters contain news from home and ask about his experiences. Many letters are from high school friends and contain some commentary on the pros and cons of the war. The letters from Peter Himmelberger in particular are critical of the war and governmental policies. Boyer's letters to his parents, sister Susan, and to Peter (a friend whose last name is not referred to) describe his stateside training with the Air Force, his time in Vietnam, and his growing discontent with the war. Personal service records include correspondence from Boyer's recruitment to discharge, letters of recommendation from commanding officers, and exams and evaluations, including one for premarksmanship with an M-16. Further correspondence from World War II, presumably from relatives or friends of Dennis Boyer, is included. Also included are a 1967 Christmas menu from Vietnam, Air Force posters and a Vietnamese calendar page.
Still Images (1970-1971) consist mostly of negatives, presumably taken by Boyer during his tour in Vietnam, and some slides. Most of the shots are scenery, showing buildings, natives, and landscapes. Some of the negatives include people, often in military uniform, but they are unidentified. Also included are four color slides, presumably from a sightseeing trip taken by Boyer during the war.
