Before World War II, intelligence activities in the United States was carried out primarily by the Department of State, Office of Naval Intelligence, and the War Department’s Military Intelligence Division. On July 11, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed William J. Donovan to head a new office, the coordinator of information (COI), attached to the White House.
After the United States entered the war, Donovan proposed that the COI’s responsibility be expanded. As a result, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was created on June 13,
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); military personnel suffer a greater number of tragic or life threatening events that cause reactions such as flash backs, upsetting memories of the event, increased jumpiness, or trouble sleeping.
I found a solution to help me 20 years ago and that is horseback riding. Initially, I did not recognize horseback riding as a form of therapy for PTSD. I soon learned that my personal wellbeing was directly affected.
I have found that interaction with “Tommy,” a quarter horse,
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Writing Veterans’ Reflections was difficult at times, especially when I was listening to firsthand accounts of combat. Once a Korean War combat veteran called me at home three weeks after his story was completed.
He said, “when reading my own story, those days in Korea rushed back like it was yesterday.” I listened as he wrestled with his emotions. Months later, he told me how much he appreciated his story being recorded for future generations, especially his grandchildren.
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The stories in Veterans’ Reflections: History Preserved will put you in the middle of the action of our nation’s wars and conflicts. Through 60 firsthand accounts and stories of veterans who served during World War II, the Cold War, Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War, Korean DMZ Conflict also known as the Quiet War, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan); you’ll find yourself paying tribute to every veteran you meet. The military service of millions of Americans is reflected in these stories.
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Veterans’ Reflections: History Preserved is the product of a nearly eight-year effort, beginning in 2007. I drew on my past experiences and assignments in Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Germany and West Berlin as the foundation for the book.
I wrote Veterans’ Reflections to preserve a part of American military history through a collection of true firsthand accounts and personal stories. Veterans’ Reflections focuses on military service as seen through the eyes of 60 veterans set against historical context that encompasses a period that spans more than 75 years.
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Welcome. My name is William R. Graser, author of Veterans’ Reflections: History Preserved. I’m so happy to have you as a visitor to my blog about my new book. This project is very special to me, and I hope to share some of that excitement with you here.
I’ll be using this blog to interact with you about Veterans’ Reflections: History Preserved, expanding on some of the topics in it and blogging on some of the ideas related to my book.
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