In 2013, Private First Class Eddie Spencer first visitied Grahamwood Elementary to tell students stories about his experiences during World War II. He was 93 years old.

Four years later, Pfc. Spencer continues to bring history to life for 5th graders. Each semester the "spry, young" veteran volunteers his time to share first hand accounts of what it was like to be a soldier during the Second World War. Pfc. Spencer answers questions and helps give students a unique perspective on this time in history.

Spencer’s connection to Grahamwood Elementary goes back nearly 70 years. After serving his country, he and his wife, Ann, settled down in Memphis in 1947. Their son attended Grahamwood when it was a brand new school in the late 1950’s.