Veteran stories 'retained forever' through Wheaton project

Countless veterans have taken their war stories to their graves.

Rick Erickson doesn't want that history to keep getting lost.

Last year, the Wheaton man helped launch a project called Reflections Framed in an effort to preserve those memories for future generations.

Since then, about 100 veterans and families of veterans with a connection to Wheaton have submitted photos, captions and stories about their service to be custom framed by Bob Green, owner of DuPage Framing Center.

"This is more than just people sending us a picture," Erickson said. "A lot of them are putting their hearts into this."

The frames from this year's project will be distributed at a ceremony from 4 to 6 p.m. on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Wheaton College's Coray Alumni Gymnasium, 421 N. Chase St. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

"I think people are going to really enjoy the event," Erickson said. "It's not just going to be a party. They leave with a very nice frame and they're going to leave knowing that that story is going to be retained forever and they have a chance to start thinking about next year. What other stories are out there?"

This year, the project had a new, optional audio component that veterans could include with their submissions. The recordings are being archived by the Wheaton Public Library.

"This year was better than last year in the respect of having more time to do deep interviews," Erickson said, adding that there was also more time to do some "unique framing" that included shadowboxes with multiple pictures, dog tags and purple hearts. "We're finding our legs on this project."

Here are a few excerpts from some of the stories that will be shared:

Lawrence DuBose

World War II

Army 1st Lieutenant

"I believe the date was Feb. 21, 1945, and about 10 in the morning, as I was leading my Rifle Platoon forward (in France), when I was shot in the stomach …

"Then our troops began retreating and I can recall one of our soldiers commenting, 'We can't leave this man up here,' and I was carried back to an aid station. Not too soon either, as I was going in shock …

"My first memories were that I was using awful bad language. What made me aware of this was to hear the ward man say to the nurse, "He must be getting better. He just said 'aw shucks' that time."

Wendell Hawley

Vietnam

Chaplain Corps

"Before reaching the work site, we were suddenly caught in a deadly ambush. All the mobile firepower of the surrounding enemy force was focused on 22 unexpecting soldiers. We were subject to a brutal outpouring of machine gunfire, grenades, rockets, and mortars, which killed 11 of our group in the first minutes of shelling.

"Eventually the enemy was driven off by the quick responding helicopters spraying the roadside jungle with enormous fire power.

"So, while some of my days of history have become blurred in my memory, Nov. 11, 1967, will abide with me in unceasing clarity, as does a placard I saw in an Army barracks over 50 years ago: 'You have never LIVED till you have almost died.' For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the protected will never know."

Gene Nuechterlein

World War II

Army Technician, 5th Grade

As told by Gene's daughter, Donna Stephan: "Gene was likely even more doubtful about the value of his military service when he received his assignment after basic training to the 7739th Motion Picture Company stationed in Frankfurt, Germany.

"While other soldiers had 'important' jobs, Gene's responsibilities were primarily to drive to Army bases in France and Germany to distribute movies and show the films.

"Perhaps Gene's most memorable experience of the time he spent in the Army occurred one night when he heard that a special guest was going to be present at the officers' club for the film.

"Gene didn't recall which movie he ran that evening, but he would never forget sitting next to Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and feeling proud that he could help a great man unwind and relax, if only for a few hours."

If you go

What: Reflections Framed ceremony

When: 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11

Where: Wheaton College's Coray Alumni Gymnasium, 421 N. Chase St.

Cost: Free

Info: helpaveteran.org/reflections/