Gov. Heineman Applauds Project to Share Military Stories with Soldiers, Nebraskans
Gov. Heineman Applauds Project to Share Military Stories with Soldiers, Nebraskans
Gov. Dave Heineman applauded writer Andrew Carroll's efforts to help servicemen and women share their military stories with one another and with Nebraskans during an event held at Offutt Air Force Base today. Carroll is the editor of a collection of war correspondence written by troops, now available in print. Carroll chose to distribute free copies of the book to members of the Nebraska National Guard and the servicemen and women stationed at Offutt Air Force Base.
"On behalf of all Nebraskans, I want to thank Mr. Carroll and everyone involved in the Legacy Project for making the stories of our men and women in uniform available to readers across this state," Gov. Heineman said. "This collection honors the sacrifices made in service to our great nation, and I am particularly pleased that those who've dedicated their lives to defend freedom here in Nebraska will have a chance to read this book and share it with their families and friends."
On Carroll's behalf, Scribner publishing is donating 5,000 new hardcover copies of "Behind the Lines: Powerful and Revealing American and Foreign War Letters - and One Man's Search to Find Them" for distribution across the state. In addition to providing copies of the book for servicemen and women in Nebraska, 1,000 copies will be donated to Nebraska public libraries, allowing each of the state's more than 300 libraries to make multiple copies available to readers across the state.
The event began with "Behind the Lines" editor Andrew Carroll presenting a copy of the book to the Governor today at Offutt Air Force Base. Carroll planned to hand out books throughout the afternoon on the base and will hold a series of readings over the weekend in Lincoln, Omaha and Beatrice. His visit to the Beatrice Public Library on Sunday, Aug. 14, falls on the 60th anniversary of V-J Day.
"Behind the Lines" features previously unpublished correspondence from servicemen and women from every major conflict in U.S. history, from the American Revolution to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Carroll collected the letters during a three-year tour of more than 30 countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan.
Carroll said, "One of the extraordinary aspects of this experience has been the opportunity to talk with veterans. Time after time they have said that reading letters has helped them reflect on their own experiences. I wanted to do a giveaway of this book, and it seemed only right to give them to those serving our country. Considering how welcoming everyone here has been, Nebraska seemed the best place to do it."
Carroll will return to Nebraska on Sept. 18 to lead a discussion with troops and their family members at the Strategic Air & Space Museum in Ashland. Veterans and active-duty servicemen and women and their families are encouraged to bring copies of their own wartime letters and e-mails. The event will be open the public.
"Behind the Lines" is part of a larger effort, the Legacy Project, initiated by Carroll to preserve wartime correspondence by American troops. Since 1998, Americans have shared an estimated 75,000 letters with the Legacy Project.
All royalties from "Behind the Lines" are being donated to veterans' groups and related non-profit organizations. More information on the Legacy Project is available online at http://www.warletters.com.
http://gov.nol.org/news/2005_08/12_military_stories.html
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