|
Talking about the war is not always pleasant but this interview was just a one-on-one conversation about history. There should be more veterans taking time to record history.
The questions were to the point. I think it’s a great way for other people to get a first-hand look at what soldiers go through. I enjoyed that some memories came back to me. I think the interview was conducted very professional; it was very relaxed. I couldn’t believe I talked so long.
I think we realize too late that historical details are perishable.
While apprehensive, the interviewers made me feel comfortable as I talked about some “difficult” memories. The questions were excellent, clear and not leading. The (way) the American public should be made aware of the dangers (is) not from the media – but from the american soldier! (what did I enjoy most about my interview?) It’s not a question of enjoyment, but one, in my case, of some mental release from the past. This is a worthwhile program. I will encourage any veteran I meet to participate.
Interviewer was well prepared. It’s important to record this history particularly from WWII veterans who are passing away quite quickly today. I most enjoyed learning we had such a great museum on the premises. I enjoyed the experience.
The experiences will all be forgotten; we faced the world at a young age. What I most enjoyed? Letting the world know.
Staff was prepared; camera set-up, etc. Choice of questions was excellent in triggering memory. Gentle probing of “feelings” and adaptation to military life very well done! The artifacts set the stage for personal contribution to history. The interviewer is non-confrontational, probes gently for detail and physically & emotionally remains almost invisible. What I most enjoyed was the comfort of letting it go. My additional comment is: Strengthen outreach activity~ maybe a portable van to reach those unable to travel. Or, provide transportation. Get local TV coverage of activity.
Veterans should take advantage of this opportunity. I most enjoyed telling some of the humorous times that I had and also telling about my boxing experience during that time. I believe that it’s a great thing to visually record the combat experience of all veterans. I also wish that the records of my german/American friends could be recorded. My friends were not members of hitler’s national socialist workers but were drafted.
World War II veterans are in decline, so it is important to get as many that have seen action before it is too late. If the person being interviewed had written down pertinent notes before then they won’t forget some incident that occurred during their time in service. Michelle Carrara & Carol Fowler conducted the interview in a relaxed manner that made me feel at ease. More veterans should be made aware of the museum and what it has to offer.
This is a good & necessary project. If I saw another interview, I would have been more relaxed & may have talked more.
I was very much at ease while reminiscing about my World War II experiences. I told three other GI’s one of whom already has been interviewed. Also gave a copy of your information notice to the postmaster in Avon to be placed on his bulletin board. Most enjoyable was the chance to think back about my war experiences. For many years I put it in the back of my mind.
I think the thoughts of veterans are important to know. Very few days pass by when I don’t consider the violent North Atlantic in the winter. It made me think of the depths I went through. The questions were good, complete, and made me think of times I had put aside.
I made a copy for each of my grandchildren. Thanks for the experience.
I’d recommend other veterans because it brings back some memories, good & bad. Most enjoyable were the memories & feelings.
I recommended to other vets for the interview so as the tape can be played for future references. It was sort of a relief to unload your function in the military. The interview was well conducted; the museum was an ideal location, background. The staff put you at ease.
This is a very worthwhile project. The interviewers were very understanding and patient with us. We thank you for this opportunity to do something we would never have done on our own.
It was a good experience, a chance to educate our children & grandchildren. Most enjoyable was knowing I would have a copy of the tape – for posterity. It was a very worthwhile experience. The quick stories spoken at the end of the final luncheon were fascinating.
The interviewer helped me to relax (on camera.) The leading questions opened my memory bank. I have mentioned it to 3 VFW meetings. I’d change nothing – very pleasant people. Most enjoyable was the friendly and respectful attitude of staff. I would contact every post commander of VFW – also Disabled Vets units – and American Legion.
The interviews are history and essential to a museum. It was very well managed. It brought back many memories, some good & some bad. the interviews are essential to a museum. It is first hand information on how things were. Keep up the good work!!!
The questions were worded in a way that reminded me of other events. It’s a rewarding experience and it also will help future generations understand us a bit better. You made me feel very comfortable. I expected to feel ill at ease, but did not. Thank you for your hospitality.
I am sure there must be more untold experiences.
With the questions, one led to another in logical progression. They covered all the relevant topics for the era. I think first person accounts are the basic raw material of history. I most enjoyed the pleasant company – a first rate experience.
It is hoped that someone in fact might be interested in your stories in years to come. The girls tried very hard to put you at ease & you felt that they were truly interested in your stories.
I really enjoyed the interview. It brought back many memories. I hadn’t thought about my experiences in awhile. Remembering old buddies was a good experience. Most enjoyable were the far reaching questions - what was I doing, how did I feel. Thank you.
Most of us served in different areas of location, and offices held – all have interesting stories to tell. What would I change with my interview? I went overboard about some parts of my personal life – I forgot I was being taped! Most enjoyable were the people who interviewed & taped me – very congenial. When I was about 8 years of age – my father took me to the “Governors Campgrounds” & I was introduced to Gov. Hoffman after his political speech. I don’t remember a word of it – but here I am – 70 years later! My father would be proud.
It gets you to reveal some of the important aspects of the past & revives some of our patriotic endeavors now when we presently need it. Most enjoyable was the way the interview was conducted. Never did I think I could have sat in front of a camera and espouse various answers and recollections. I thought I would not be able to share some of my experiences and it gave me some confidence, even at my age.
It’s a great way to illuminate the past. I most enjoyed that I recalled forgotten memories. God Bless you all.
It gives veterans a chance to unburden some of their experiences. I’d change nothing about the interview, just more promotion – excellent program. What I most enjoy is the fact that what we have been through is not being forgotten.
In meeting Carol I felt I found a new friend and it was enjoyable to tell my experiences to my new friend. The questions stirred up old memories. I most enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. I feel the tape will be great for my family to have.
(from an interviewed W.A.V.E.)
I was put very much at ease & the interest of those doing the interview was very rewarding. If we wish to have our history preserved it is up to u s to tell our stories, for as the total number of female personnel during WWII was less than 10% total of military serving, records were not completely kept. It was a great feeling to be at long last able to share my true Job in the Navy.
(from the late Hon. Matthew W. Parks, ex-POW captured at Battle of the Bulge)
Carol was well prepared and had apparently done a lot of research and was able to prompt me on occasion. I did not talk about my experiences for over 50 years and some vets have to be pushed. It enabled me to put my story down for my children and grandchildren.
(from the late Joe LaVia, WWII Asiatic-Pacific veteran)
I most enjoyed recalling my experiences in the army. Carol was top notch in her questions; You have very good people.
(from Helene Cattani, WWII US Army nurse)
I was made to feel relaxed & comfortable. The questions helped me remember things that were so long ago – WWII. We need to get our stories told. Too many WWII veterans are dying and no one else can tell their stories. The time spent was enjoyable. Carol was very good to keep me relaxed so I could try to remember my time in WWII. I hope the residents from NJ Veteran Home – Paramus can come to share their stories. It would be very interesting. I’ll keep reminding them to get in touch.
(from Al Schobel, Korea-era US Navy veteran)
Carol, by her very demeanor makes it easy & relaxing to speak of past events. Oral history is a window on the past so we can go into the future with confidence. Most enjoyable was recalling past events and (being) surprised by how much I could recall.
(from Sgt. Pratik Mavani, Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran)
It’s a fantastic way to preserve and come to terms with one’s combat service. I most enjoyed the fact that the interview will help future generations of soldiers and historians. I apologize for the lateness of this reply, because I was caught up with some military training and school. I have to say that watching myself on DVD is pretty surreal, almost as if I’m watching someone else, which is interesting, to say the least. Again, thanks for the interview experience, and I’m definitely going to recommend it to other NJ vets I come across.
(from Robert C. Lutz, WWII European Theatre veteran)
The interviewers prepared by requesting information from the interviewees in advance. It’s important to record the experiences of the men and women involved in U.S. wars. some of them will certainly include lessons we should learn from. I most enjoyed the girl who interviewed me! The whole project is very worthwhile and should be done nationwide!
The interview was well done and I feel at ease in speaking. The questions were easily answered and showed the planning that went into the interview. I’ve asked other women veterans to consider “telling their stories” at the Center. The relaxing way in which I was encouraged to narrate my service experiences was the most enjoyable. The museum is so well done, but it seems “out of the way” so people may not visit there.
Most enjoyable was the friendliness and cordiality of interviewers. Enabled us to dredge up memories long buried and forgotten – it was a most enlightening experience – placed life in perspective – made us thankful that we survived – felt sad about comrades who passed away – paid them respect and tribute
The two women were very kind, considerate, and patient. Because of this, my husband was at ease in what was, at times, a difficult time. The questions got the most important information across when you consider these events occurred sixty years ago and the memory is dimming. It was a wonderful experience.
Would I change anything with the interview? No, not at all, Carol was very good with the interview itself. What did I most enjoy? Well I didn’t realize it would take me back into my past as it did. As you can see, I got a little emotional, but a good interview. I enjoyed discussing Viet-Nam and my past. Thank you for accepting my moments of my life with your interview.
I enjoyed the interview very much and feel honored. The questions were very good and thorough. Other veterans I meet are advised to visit NG Militia Museum of New Jersey in Sea Girt. I enjoyed every aspect of the interview and wish to congratulate those on the team who conducted the interview including Michelle, David, Matt and Tara. I would like to thank CW4 Judith McCabe, Curator of the Museum, for her interest in a veteran of the U.S. Navy Submarine Service during WWII. Many of the members of the “Silent Service” during wartime wish to relate their experiences to the general public. Thank you for the beautiful CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION.
The interviewers were well prepared. They covered every aspect of my military career. World War II is part of our history forever & not to record the feelings & experiences of those who participated would be a major mistake. My uniform fit me perfectly & the interviewers were perfect in their presentation. I enjoyed the fact that I could express myself freely. I couldn’t believe that I went through two tapes & Carol said you have two minutes left. We covered it all.
(from the late John H. Baillie, WWII Europe U.S.A.A.C. veteran)
Michelle was a wonderful, very well prepared caring person who made the interview very easy for me to do. The questions that were asked helped me to give good answers, easily. Most enjoyable was knowing that this will be there for family and others made me enjoy doing this and that you were there to help me. It was so good to have my family there during this time. We were overwhelmed by what people have done to make this museum a special place in history, and are grateful for what you did and they have done. Your warm welcome touched us. Thank you.
Veterans’ stories should be recorded. Future generations should know the sacrifices veterans made to preserve the freedom & liberty they will enjoy in the years to come. It was professionally conducted. Most enjoyable was reliving and recording my vivid memories of a fantastic period of American history. The Center is performing an exemplary job in recording the U.S. war veterans oral histories. The future must learn from the past.
Thoroughly enjoyed talking with Carol and Michelle . . . They were interested in my answers; never felt at all that I was boring them. They asked very good questions. I had no trouble answering them. Most enjoyable was being with the two lovely ladies, Carol & Michelle. I hope my answers will be interesting and informative to people in the future.
What I most enjoyed was I was very comfortable talking to her. I’m usually a very quiet person, but she put me at ease and I was able to converse with her.
I loved the surroundings – the museum has a wonderful collection. Carol did her homework & had a very good group of photos from the USS ESSEX plus information on our aircraft. She did an excellent job.
It was the most thorough and enjoyable interview that I have ever experienced. Carol made me feel entirely at ease, and asked very pertinent questions at the opportune times. Carol Fowler did a very thorough preparation for the interview. She used the internet to ascertain facts and background that I had forgotten, or never knew. I already have recommended you. Preserving our histories is of utmost importance to future generations, especially for WWII veterans, who are diminishing in numbers. What I most enjoyed was learning certain techniques in using the internet for obtaining facts and history of my group. I would suggest that you do more to advertise your museum, as well as your oral history surveys. Many veterans that do not belong to service organizations never knew you existed.
It was relaxed & professional!! Michelle & Carol are a “10” in everything they did.
I recommend you to other veterans so that a record of the experiences of past veterans might cause future generations to avoid the behaviors that cause wars. (wishful thinking) I most enjoyed the sincere interest shown by my interviewer in my experiences even when we deviated from the line of prepared questions.
(from Dennis Moriarty, U.S.M.C. Vietnam War veteran)
It felt funny being taped – not bad, just different. The interviewer was well prepared with the questions that were asked. She did a lot of research into the ‘people’ and events concerning my units in Nam. This gives everyone a chance to express & share their feelings about their personal experiences. I’d change about the interview trying not to get too political. I most enjoyed that the concern shown to me and my story by the interviewer was sincere.
|
