Researchers at the Glenn E. Martin Genealogy Library are adding another component to their efforts to document and preserve the names and memories of all local war veterans.
Library Director Judy Boaz completed her first audio and video interview Tuesday with such a veteran, Richard Cline, who served in Operation Desert Storm.
The search is on now for other veterans interested in having their stories put on tape for the benefit of future generations.
The collection effort began about two months ago when staff members at the genealogy library unearthed from storage three deteriorating scrapbooks full of information about veterans.
The discovery sparked the effort to preserve that information and collect more on every war veteran in the county, Boaz said.
“I got involved in it and thought, ‘Why limit it to World War II?’,” she said.
After articles in local media and an announcement about the effort to the Caldwell County Historical Society, the campaign began to pick up steam.
“Information’s really pouring in,” Boaz said Wednesday.
The library’s search was open for veterans’ pictures, articles, military papers — “whatever we could get,” she said.
After word of the collection effort spread in the community, Cline’s wife approached Boaz to ask if the library would be interested in hearing Cline’s war experience, and library officials jumped at the chance.
“Let’s have it firsthand,” Boaz said, of her philosophy in launching the taped interview program. “Let’s get it from the words of the veterans, both visually and on audio.”
Boaz interviewed Cline at the genealogy library Tuesday, saving his comments and memories to audiotape. Genealogy library employee Linda Ward also videotaped the interview.
In addition to sharing his experiences, Cline also gave library officials to document some of the items he brought back from the Gulf: from Iraqi currency to military patches and other memorabilia.
Now, the search is on for other veterans willing to share their stories.
Boaz said no further interviews are scheduled until after the holidays, but several are lined up at that time.
Veterans willing to be interviewed can contact Boaz at the library, at 365-2884.
Veterans from all conflicts are welcome, from World War II through the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Loved ones of veterans who have passed away are also invited to share their information, Boaz said.
The genealogy library also continues to maintain an index of the county’s veterans, in addition to the efforts to capture their personal stories.
“I think we’ll get some good things coming up,” she said.
