Stories needed for Schaumburg library's 'Veteran's History Project'
Since humans first used language to communicate, they've wielded that skill to tell stories, relay experiences, pass down wisdom and share the triumphs and trials of major events.
And when it comes to war and military service, those who were in the trenches have volumes to share - stories of hope and despair, courage, strength, fear, endurance and patriotism.
Tony Kierna, genealogist at the Schaumburg Township District Library, is giving them the opportunity to share their stories through live video interviews in conjunction with the "Veterans History Project," an initiative of the Library of Congress' American Folklife Center.
The project is designed to preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.
To date, Kierna has posted nine taped video interviews with veterans from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Cold War and the Bosnian/Iraq War. These and future interviews will be submitted to the Library of Congress.
To view the interviews, go to the library's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/STDLvideos, or go to YouTube and type in "Schaumburg Library channel."
The library is looking for more local veterans who would like to share stories of their service. Veterans interested in telling their stories, or anyone who knows a veteran who may be interested, can contact Kierna at akierna@stdl.org or (847) 923-3390.
"I'd like to also include interviews with veterans from our more recent conflicts, such as the Persian Gulf War, Iraq War and the Afghan War, especially any female veterans," Kierna said, adding he encourages veterans from any war and all branches of the military to contact him.
During the interviews, Kierna prompts the featured veterans with questions to help them share experiences and anecdotes.
Among those interviewed so far are U.S. Marine Corps veteran Robert Mattson, U.S. Army veteran William Herod, and U.S. Air Force veteran Donald "Butch" Kribbs, all of whom did tours in Vietnam.
Mattson served in S2 Intelligence for 17 months before becoming a primary marksmanship instructor following his tour. He joined the Corps on Jan. 29, 1969, and coincidentally conducted his interview on Jan. 29, 2019.
Herod, who was awarded the Bronze Star for valor, graduated with his Associate Degree in 1969, and returned home from his graduation ceremony to find a draft letter waiting for him. He then attended basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, followed by advanced infantry training in Fort Polk, Louisiana.
Kribbs served as a combat medic and was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for his actions during the Tet Offensive.
"It's been a privilege to interview these veterans, and I look forward to future interviews," Kierna said. "This is a fantastic way to preserve military history with the words of those who actually experienced the events. I hope more veterans will participate."