Capturing WWII Stories, One Veteran at a Time
I wrote this story about a soldier who grew up in my community. Nearly every day, newspapers carried sad notifications about soldiers and sailors who had perished during the war. Part of the research was with this soldier’s brother who is still living in his 90s. ** Gerald Eugene Lesh On December 26, 1943, Electrician’s... Continue Reading →
Paul Rider of Fort Wayne is an interviewer’s dream. He could recite his story during World War II in clear fashion, had a scrapbook full of memories, a diary and many photos – and a story that had a peaceful resolution decades after the war. Remember to thank a veteran today for his/her service... Continue Reading →
“From everyday small feats to undeniably heroic efforts, the accomplishments and achievements of America’s Navy are vast and significant. Since its birth on October 13, 1775, the Navy has been involved with more than ten major wars and countless battles in the effort to bring security, democracy and prosperity to the American people and to... Continue Reading →
Whew! It’s been quite a week of promoting World War II veterans! Last week my husband John & I met hundreds (thousands?) of people as we manned our booth at the Bluffton Street Fair. It was great fun with lots of opportunities to tell people about the 100 World War II vets I’ve interviewed and... Continue Reading →
Sometimes people want to know what happens when I interview a World War II veteran. It's a process and always a privilege. First, I allot two hours for the interview. This does not include the time it takes to drive to/from the place where the veteran lives. The two hours does include my getting set up with... Continue Reading →
If you are a Christian who is a writer or feels God has called you to be a writer but you don't know what to do first, I recommend you join TWV1 -- The Christian Writers View Group on Yahoo. I've followed it for many years and have found it to be informational, biblical and... Continue Reading →
For the past year I’ve interviewed pastors of local churches as part of a new weekly column established by my local newspaper. This story was one of those columns. I particularly like the fact that members of the congregation have dedicated themselves to reading to children at a local school. What a vital part of... Continue Reading →
“Everything we do at this church is based on the word of God,” said Ron Garner, pastor of Bethel Church in Bluffton, Indiana. He replaces Pat Harris who pastored at the church for 26 years before retiring to the South. Garner is a native of North Carolina, but graduated from Bluffton High School in 1994... Continue Reading →
In a change from my regular format of posting a devo each Sunday I’m posting a story about a local church in my area that I wrote for the Bluffton News-Banner with permission of the editor. Each week for the past year I’ve been blessed to interview a different pastor in my county. The stories... Continue Reading →
The 4th of July is a great time to remember our country’s freedoms and the people who have secured them. This profile of a WWII soldier seems appropriate. Mr. Beitler has been the oldest vet I’ve ever interviewed. When we talked in 2012, he was articulate and kind. It was a joy meeting him. He... Continue Reading →
Writing of Kayleen Reusser 