U.S. Library of Congress Veterans History Project

Bob Trivellini of Millville, has 19 years of experience in facilitating the Veterans History Project.

We can all learn more about our country by listening to our veterans. These men and women of the military have amazing stories to tell and memories to share. It is why Angelic Health Hospice Volunteer Services partnered with the Millville Air Museum for a workshop to train participants of the U.S. Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Through Angelic Health’s affiliation with the Library of Congress, volunteers in the community are training to interview veterans to document their stories. The interviews and memorabilia will be housed in the Library of Congress.

Tim Kiniry, of Vineland (mock veteran interviewee), is a 99-year-old veteran and former U.S. Army medic. He treated the wounded at the Battle of the Bulge and the prisoners at Buchenwald Concentration Camp shortly after liberation by the US Army.

Donald Long is a man of service. A former Marine, stationed in Okinawa, Japan and after his tour of duty he became a police officer in Bridgeton, retiring a few years ago after 21 years. A native of Deerfield Township, he works for a security service and donates his time as a hospice Vet to Vet Volunteer. “My daughter Kaitlyn is a hospice social worker and mentioned about the opportunity to speak to veterans and the need for veteran volunteers,” said Long. “I find it very interesting hearing about the experiences of fellow veterans, especially those who served in combat.”

Long visits Angelic hospice patients and participates in the Veterans History Project. All U.S. veterans are invited to participate, regardless of branch, rank, or gender. They may share a recorded oral history, as well as donate original photos, letters, etc. Each veteran will have his or her own webpage on the Library of Congress’ website. Their story will be preserved and made accessible forever at the Library of Congress. Volunteers are needed to help record these priceless interviews.

The U.S. Congress created the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center in 2000 to collect, 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. Learn about becoming a Vet to Vet Volunteer by contacting Kayla Montoro, volunteer coordinator at KMontoro@angelichospice.net, or call 609-515-2330.