Bill Sawyer served as an Army medic in the Aleutians during the war. One blessing from my interviews with 260 World War II veterans is not only meeting a great group of people, but sometimes finding great friends among them. The easiest ones to get to know are those within our local community since this... Continue Reading →
‘Plucky’ — My word for WWII Female Officers
Polly Woodhull Lipscomb-- Army nurse who served in England during WWII ** As a tribute to Women's History Month, I'm devoting this column to two special women I've had the privilege to interview/ write their stories. It's always a thrill to interview a WWII vet, but I especially enjoy talking to the women who served. Every... Continue Reading →
Remembering WWII Vets of 2018
On this first day of 2019 I’m honoring the World War II veterans whom I’ve interviewed and who passed away in 2018. Believe me, this is not a blog post I enjoy putting together. Some of the ones I’ve interviewed like Evelyn Brown (SPAR) have blessed me with friendship since I interviewed her a few... Continue Reading →
Happy New Year’s Eve!
I know Christmas is over, but I hope you will take 3 minutes to enjoy this gift of video of veterans featured in my books who wish you Christmas greetings. I completed it days before Christmas and sent it in my free email newsletter. Let me know if you'd like to receive it. My friend,... Continue Reading →
‘A Lot of Misery’; Soldiers Recall Christmas during WWII
As Christmas approaches, I have pulled memories related to me by vets and included in my books. During World War II, troops stationed overseas were often unable to observe Christmas celebrations. In fact, in December 1944 troops were engaged in one of the bloodiest battles of the war -- Battle of the Bulge. George Buhler... Continue Reading →
WWII Vets Enjoy Book Launch
“Spectacular!” That’s how Lucille Clarke, 98-year-old Navy WAC (pictured above) who served as a secretary during World War II, described her experience at my book launch on Nov 3 at Allen County Public Library which hosted the event. Lucille is one of 34 World War II veterans whose stories are told in my book, We... Continue Reading →
Ways to Thank American Veterans for Their Service
On this special Veteran’s Day, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI on November 11, 1918, we have the opportunity to show thanks to those who have served our country in the military. While a verbal affirmation is always appreciated by the veterans, I encourage you to take it one step... Continue Reading →
Korean War Vet Fought at the American Marine Line
While I focus mostly on interviewing and writing stories from World War II veterans as they are our nation's oldest military vets, I also interview Korean War veterans. The following story is one that appeared in the News-Sentinel newspaper in Fort Wayne earlier this year. ** On a morning in April 1951 when day was... Continue Reading →
What to do with WWII vet afraid to fly? Take him on an Honor Flight!
When Cal Schultz, the World War II veteran whom I had interviewed for a story in the News-Sentinel and whom I was trying to convince to go on an Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana, admitted he was afraid to fly, I was stymied-- almost. He and his wife had taken many aerial trips. He had... Continue Reading →
WWII Infantryman Fought in Battle of the Bulge, Liberated Dachau
I recently visited with Millard Schwartz whom I interviewed several years ago and whose story is featured in my first book, WWII Legacies: Stories of Northeast IN Veterans. Millard is a sweet man who always has a gentle smile on his handsome face. He is a humble but brave man who fought gallantly for our... Continue Reading →