Veterans History Project

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cheyenne Morigeau
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz --  The Veterans History Project provides a way to tell the story of service members from past and present.

The VHP was created by the Library of Congress in 2000 to preserve original personal narratives, diaries and photographs from American war veterans and civilians who were actively involved in supporting war efforts.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Fernando Ortega, 12th Air Force, Air Forces Southern watch center officer in charge, hopes to spread the word of the project to Davis-Monthan.

"It's a way for us to archive their story at the congressional library," Ortega said. "Future generations can look up their parents or grandparents and hear what they did firsthand."

Veterans and U.S. civilians from conflicts dating as far back as World War I are encouraged to share their stories. Ortega hopes to involve Desert Lightning Team members in the project.

"I first heard about it from my wife who works with the Veteran Affairs," Ortega said. "I thought about bringing the project over to the base so we can get some of our Airmen's stories told."

Airmen, veterans and civilians interested in telling their story can email Ortega at fernando.ortega@us.af.mil for further information. They can also visit www.loc.gov/vets where they can print the VHP field kit that can help them begin the storytelling process.