Of my parent’s seven children four chose to serve our country in the military. My oldest brother Bob, served in the US Navy; my younger brother Howard served in the US Army, and my oldest sister Doris served in the US Navy and I was recruited by the US Army Security Agency in 1965 and served my country in Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Germany, occupied West Berlin, and the US Army Security Agency’s headquarters at Arlington Hall Station, Arlington, Virginia.

My family has experienced firsthand the sacrifices and commitments that come with being in the military.

In 2007 I commenced collecting firsthand accounts and personal stories of veterans who served during World War II, the Cold War, Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War, the Korean Demilitarized Zone Conflict, Operation Desert Storm: and to the Middle East.

The outcome of collecting all of these stories is a book called “Veterans’ Reflections: History Preserved.” I wrote Veterans’ Reflections to preserve a part of American military history. The book focuses on military service as seen through the eyes of 60 veterans set against historical context that encompasses a period that spans more than 75 years. These veterans served during all of our major conflicts from 1941 to 2004.

Writing the book was difficult at times, especially when I was listening to firsthand accounts of combat. A Korean War combat veteran called me at home after his story has been written and said, “When reading my own story, those days in Korea rushed back like it was yesterday.” I listened as he wrestled with his emotions. Months later, he told me how much he appreciated his story being recorded for future generations, especially his grandchildren.

In truth, many veterans expressed their gratitude for the interest shown in their service. For some it was the first time anyone had taken the time to thank them for their service.

As part of the recording process I asked each of the interviewed veterans to provide a copy of his DD214 form—that is, his certificate of release or discharge from active duty. The DD214 is the official document which shows service branch, service dates, rank, awards, and decorations. I soon discovered that many veterans had not received recognition to which they were entitled and so began the process of obtaining the missing medals, badges, and service ribbons earned by these veterans.

Since I retired from the service I have been a volunteer on a regular basis at many different Veteran groups within my community and state. Ultimately, I hope the stories in Veterans’ Reflections: History Preserved promote a further understanding and appreciation of veterans and their sacrifices.

William R. Graser
Author of “Veterans’ Reflections: History Preserved”