Wheaton program returns to preserve veteran stories

For a second year, veterans with ties to Wheaton are being encouraged to share their stories as part of the communitywide Reflections Framed project.

Rick Erickson, president of the business planning company Bold Steps Inc., is helping coordinate the project, which asks veterans or families of veterans with a Wheaton connection to submit a photo, caption and story about their service that will be custom framed by Bob Green, owner of DuPage Framing Center.

"It turned out to be really cool," Erickson said. "A lot of people said we have to do this again. We're going to take it to another level this year."

Last year, a total of 56 stories were framed and distributed during a ceremony that Erickson said was very moving for those in attendance. This year, organizers have a goal of collecting at least 100 reflections.

The frames will be revealed in a new location this year - Wheaton College's Coray Alumni Gymnasium - on Veterans Day.

But perhaps the biggest change this year is the addition of an optional audio component to the submissions. Erickson said anyone who records a veteran's story will have it archived by the Wheaton Public Library and possibly the state, so it can be easily found and enjoyed by future generations.

"There's all kind of stories and it's really totally up to the individual to pick one that is something they want to be remembered for," Erickson said.

When soliciting reflections last year, Erickson said he came across several people who thought their story wasn't worthy of being framed.

"A lot of these military guys were humbled, they didn't want to tell their story or they said they didn't have a story," Erickson said. "What I told the vets is, 'If you're too humble to tell your story, well don't think about yourself right now. Think about the generations who want to hear that story.'"

Organizers also are looking for sponsors who want to support the framing of a reflection for $100. A portion of the sponsorships will help pay for project costs and the remainder will be donated to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans.

Anyone interested in donating or submitting a reflection can do so online at www.helpaveteran.org/reflections. Examples are available for viewing on the website. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 19.