CFCC Student Preserves Veterans’ Stories Through YouTube Channel
Luke Basso interviewing U.S. Marine Major General (Ret.) Larry Taylor in Washington D.C.
What started as a teenage passion project has grown into a mission to document firsthand accounts from veterans and historical witnesses before their stories are lost.
A student at Cape Fear Community College, Luke has conducted more than 100 interviews for his YouTube channel, Filmperia. His work spans World War II veterans, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans, and civilians who lived through major historical events.
Early Steps Toward Preserving the Past
“Growing up, I’ve always had an interest in military and political history,” Luke said.
That interest started early. At 14, Luke ran a small business buying and selling military antiques. A year later, he launched his YouTube channel.
“At that point, a lot of veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam were still alive,” he said. “Years later, there’s almost none of them. I’m happy I started back then.”
Luke graduated from Ashley High School in 2024 and enrolled at CFCC the same year.
“It was just the most convenient for what I was doing in life,” he said.
Since coming to CFCC, Luke has taken a few history classes.
“Mr. Sorensen and Mr. Beaulieu are some of my favorite teachers here,” he said. “They know the stuff I do. They’re interested in what I do. I can actually talk about these stories with them.”
New City, New Opportunities
Although Luke began interviewing veterans while living in upstate New York, he says moving to Wilmington opened entirely new doors.
“When I first started, it was very limited,” he said. “I just asked everybody I knew.”
But after relocating to Wilmington three years ago, the opportunities quickly expanded.
“Everything just blew up,” he said. “I think it’s because there are so many veteran groups and organizations here. This really is all about connections.”
Luke has since traveled internationally to continue documenting stories, including recent trips to Afghanistan and Ukraine.
In July 2025, he traveled to Afghanistan, becoming one of the first Americans to visit the country since the war ended in 2021.
“Going to Afghanistan is the most chaotic thing I have ever done,” Luke said. “I could write a whole book about what happened while I was there. I used that experience as a stepping stone of, do I want to keep doing this? And yes, I do.”
Luke said he quietly planned the trip for months before telling anyone.
“I kept it all a secret until afterward,” he said. “I knew if I made it public, people would try to intervene.”
The experience helped solidify another goal he has for the future to become a war correspondent.
“I’d rather start now to see if this is something I really want to do,” he said.
After returning from Afghanistan, Luke began planning a second international trip. In March 2026, he traveled to Ukraine.
Hearing History Firsthand
Luke’s interviews focus less on textbook summaries and more on personal experiences.
“A lot of stuff they teach you in history class is very brief,” he said. “But talking to people who were actually there, you can understand more fully what was going on. You’re getting their point of view, their actual stories. They were living in the moment.”
One group that has especially stayed with him is Vietnam veterans.
“They were treated horribly after the war,” Luke said. “Physically and mentally, and it’s still impacting them.”
The Urgency Behind the Work
Luke Basso with WWII veterans Justin Kornegay (left) and George VanVekoven (right) in Wilmington
“Documenting firsthand accounts is important because we’re losing these veterans every single day,” Luke said. “I hope I’m making a difference by helping veterans ensure their stories are preserved.”
Luke plans to graduate with his Associate in Arts from CFCC in December before transferring to the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
To watch Luke’s interviews and hear the stories he’s preserving firsthand, visit his YouTube channel, Filmperia.
