Veterans’ Reflections: History Preserved is the product of a nearly eight-year effort, beginning in 2007. I drew on my past experiences and assignments in Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Germany and West Berlin as the foundation for the book.

I wrote Veterans’ Reflections to preserve a part of American military history through a collection of true firsthand accounts and personal stories. Veterans’ Reflections 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 World War II, the Cold War, Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War, Korean DMZ Conflict also known as the Quiet War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).

Writing Veterans’ Reflections was difficult at times, especially when I was listening to firsthand accounts of combat. Once a Korean War combat veteran called me at home three weeks after his story was completed. He 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.

I asked each of the veterans whom I interviewed 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. Using this document, I obtained missing medals, badges, and service ribbons earned by these veterans.

Within my community, the first annual Veterans’ Day Recognition Ceremony was held in 2007, which recognized each veteran. They were presented with their earned awards. The Veterans’ Day Recognition Ceremony has been held every year since.

Several veterans stated that it was the first time anyone had taken the time to thank them for their service. Their appreciation for my thoughtfulness gave me the inspiration to record their accounts and write Veterans’ Reflections: History Preserved.

Ultimately, I hope the stories in Veterans’ Reflections promote a further understanding and appreciation of veterans and their sacrifices.

Thank you for reading my first blog post. I would love to continue this discussion. You can find me on Facebook or Twitter, and we can connect via comments below.