Veterans History Project
Remembering the Events That Changed the World
"I don't have much to talk about. All I did was forecast the weather," said Frederick Adams of Cary, NC when asked if he wanted to talk about his time in the military.
But as he began to talk about his experience, it quickly became evident that what he had done was far more important than let people know whether or not they should carry an umbrella.
The weather Adams was forecasting was for the atomic bomb testing.
Those two years - 1946 to 1948 - that he'd been stationed at the Kwajalein Islands were an important part of history, and the Navy veteran didn't even realize how crucial his part had been until he began to retell the story.
That's what the Veterans History Institute is all about.
Gathering history.
The day-to-day existence and experiences of veterans - however seemingly small their individual parts - has had a tremendous impact on our nation's success.
"There's a tremendous amount of interest in WWII in today's society," said Dave Milidonis, founder of the Veterans History Institute (NVHAI). "There's even a course on remembering WWII at NC State, for students aged 50 and older. And what we're gathering is an incredibly valuable part of all that history and more - one story at a time - the real-life experiences of our veterans, no matter where they served."
A network of volunteers across the country conduct interviews designed to help veterans tell their stories, as keepsakes for their families, as well as documented war-time entries for the National Archives in Washington D.C.
Stories From Men and Women Fighting for Freedom - Today and 60 Years Ago
This year, 564 interviews have resulted in stories from every major conflict, and the times in between.
Thirty-four percent of interviews were from WWII, 22% from Vietnam, 14% were stories from those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, 13% from the Cold War, 9% from the Korean War, and 2% of interviewees served in the Persian Gulf War. The balance served in Grenada, Panama, or "other", which may mean they served during a period without a major conflict.
"We're really pleased to be a part of the volunteer network offering a comfortable place to talk about experiences," said Stan Williams, CEO of Stanton Homes. "We're proud of what our veterans have accomplished, and we look forward to hearing their stories."
Putting Together Missing Pieces of History - And Recognizing Forgotten Soldiers
In addition to gathering interviews, the NVHAI has gathered thousands of documents to replace those lost in a devastating government warehouse fire in the 1970s - which particularly affects WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans.
The names of thousands of veterans have been submitted to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, MS, returning these Americans to their rightful place in history. Without this service, these veterans would not have proof of their service, be able to receive medical care, or have burials with the military honors they deserve.
"The veterans always have something meaningful to impart," said Lara Travars, an area communications executive who volunteered at a recent event. "And it's really enlightening to hear the viewpoint of their families, who had to 'hold down the fort back home' while the military member served their country."
Hundreds of Stories That Touch The Heart
Marine Colonel James Wagner served in the first Pacific WWII battle, and talked about how he was shipped to Australia to recuperate. He met his future wife on a blind date. They got married just before he was shipped out, didn't see each other again until the end of the war, and today they've been married for 60 years. They were interviewed together at Pine Knoll Shores.
"There's a lot of history, there," said Williams. "It's heartwarming to hear how people get through those kinds of times, stay strong in their relationships, and believe so much in what they're doing."
"There are hundreds of stories like this," said Milidonis. "Each one is unique, and they're all awe inspiring."
For many sons, daughters and spouses, it's the first time they've heard these stories. Others have heard the same topic a hundred times. But when they come to have the interviews conducted, they all have one thing in common - they want to make sure the stories are told.
Opportunity to Tell Your Story
For more information, call Dave Milidonis of the NVHAI at 919-449-5440 or Penny Hull of Stanton Homes at 919-278-8070 to reserve an interview time, or get directions to the next drop-in event.
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