The FReeper Foxhole -

Dec. 6, 2002

[Jen]

U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues

Where Duty, Honor and Country
are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.

Our Mission:

The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans.

We hope to provide an ongoing source of information about issues and problems that are specific to Veterans and resources that are available to Veterans and their families.

In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood and support.

Veterans History Project
Keeps War Memories Alive

There are over 19 million veterans living in the U.S. today. With each is a personal story of battles fought, victories and defeats. Each story, though sometimes heartbreaking, is full of love, dedication and patriotism.

---

War correspondent May Craig
interviews a soldier, ca. 1945.

---

That's how Peter Bartis describes his work with the Veterans History Project. The grassroots effort that began two years ago -- and has now caught fire -- is hoping to keep those memories alive.

Bartis, a senior program officer for the project, said that each day some 1,500 U.S. veterans die -- and with them a treasured part of the nation's past. "These are some of the most amazing stories; when you put them all together you get a story of the nation," he said.

Over the past year alone, the project's staff of 16 has already collected more than 14,000 items, such as letters and other memoirs, and video and audiotape interviews.

"We're all just blown away by these stories," he said. "The information has been very rich, it's been emotional, and it's very heartening to listen to the stories, to learn how and why they (veterans) joined, their war-time experience."

With the idea that future generations could learn from the histories of the nation's veterans, the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, began the effort to collect video and audio recordings of personal histories and testimonials of American war veterans -- men, women, civilians who served in World Wars I and II, and the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars. The center needs contributions of civilian volunteers, support staff, and war industry workers also.

Bartis said the amount of regular mail and the number of e-mails and phone calls vary from day to day, "but the response to this project has been enormous." "We get to know a lot of these people personally. That's the fun part," he said. Aside from the thousands of items received from everyday Americans each year, Bartis said the project has gained tremendous support from the corporate community as well.

The Veterans History Project's official Web site lists more than 50 national partners and support organizations from every state. The military services contribute through offices such as the Army's U.S. Center of Military History and the Naval and Marine Corps Historical centers, as well as DoD's official committee commemorating the 50th Korean War anniversary. Major national veterans associations are well-represented also.

"This is not our project or the library's project. This is the nation's project," Bartis said. "We want people of all walks of life to feel ownership of this project."

Learn more about the Veterans History Project.

[Madcelt]

In Flanders Field

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place, and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

To those who came before, we remember and salute you. To those we stood beside,a stranger at first, later a brother till the end. We remember you. To those who will follow, We will have not forgetten. We will be here, waitng. For you to come home. God bless take care.

[MistyCA]

While my uncle was in the hospital having open heart surgery, a young fellow from the neighborhood came by to ask me about his WW2 photos. It seems that my uncle had shown those photos to him over the years and the fellow was afraid they may be lost or not properly appreciated. LOL...he didn't know me and I have seen so many things lost when relatives don't care about the possessions of another person. I assured the fellow that I would be categorizing all the photos and putting them on a cd along with whatever history I could get from my uncle. I am working on that project now. I will give the fellow a copy when I am done. Perhaps your neighbor's family will share the photos with you as well. There is even a chance that they don't care about them (YIKES!). Ask if you can!

[Victoria Delsoul]

Yeah, you - but what about all the other alleged "Freepers"? It's a conspiracy!!!

Don't worry about that.

Hey, do you know where I can find a loving home for an adorable poodle?

[SAMWolf]

Thanks Jen, I wasn't sure if you wanted to do any profiles so I offered to help anyone who was interested in setting one up.

[Lo-Pro]

thanks for the "Freeper Foxhole" ping!

looks like an interesting story here!

-a reporter-

[Jen]

SAM is the Sultan of Scrounge! If he can't find it, it doesn't exist!!! hahahahahaha

[MistyCA]

LOL...I heard some stories about that sort of thing from my dad too. He told about the LST he was on during black-outs in the Pacific. He said that each wave that came would cause the landing thing to crack open and shine light skyward! He said he felt like a sitting duck out there because of it.

[SAMWolf]

Caine Mutiny is a great book. I read that in High school.

I was an Engineer too. 557th Engr Co. We worked with the 1st Cav.

[MistyCA]

LOL...well....one of those things appears to be a problem for me! :)

[3catsanadog]

I got pinged to this Foxhole. Is it OK if a daughter of a WWII vet hangs out here!?!

[MistyCA]

You got it!

[MistyCA]

Awwwww........

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"The Foxhole and the Canteen's missions and target audiences are quite different."

Very true, the Canteen's main focus is those who serve now.
They are the ones who give us the Freedom we have now.
This war is unlike any of us have ever experienced.
The Foxhole picks up the Canteens other mission of honoring those who have served.
Same target audience of FReepers.
As long as the military, their families and vets are honored
I really don't care where FReepers go to do that.
Because I work with active duty military each week at the
Coast Guard base I'm partial to those who serve now.
When I "see" a hot vets issue you can bet I'll post it here.

[SAMWolf]

I hit post too soon. I'm sorry to hear about your brother.

[Jen]

Sissy?!? Who the heck are you calling a Sissy, you silly Civilian??? I'll get my sister to help me kick your butt!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!

[SAMWolf]

You're more than welcome, and we'd like to hear about your dad if you don't mind sharing.

[MistyCA]

Oh, I am sorry for the loss of your brother. I know another fellow who has been fighting the VA because of agent orange problems. The problem is that a lot of people simply don't know how to cut through the red tape and play the game right. They have loopholes that confound your efforts to get benefits, and that's a travesty! The DVA can really help cut through some of that for vets.

[Senator Pardek]

OK, I'm being mocked, and I know what you're referring to - but rintense is a dog lover and she'll set you straight.