November Veterans Day Exhibit at Niles Library




The World War I soldier's profile is an adaptation of an illustration from the cover of the
 library's copy of Sebastian Faulk's novel Birdsong. The replica items of World War II
battlefield fare were kindly loaned for exhibit by the Pritzker Military Library. The
World War I uniform on the left and Victory Medal in the "Great War for Civilization"
as well as the complete World War II Army Air Corps flight surgeon's uniform on the right
were assembled by Niles resident and collector Christopher Reuscher to honor the military
career of 99-year old Dr. Irwin Williger who is the oldest participant in the Veterans
History Project at the Niles Library.

 



The items above, including facsimilie cigarettes, matches, and toilet paper as well as such meal rations as Spam were loaned for exhibition by Nancy Houghton, the Director of External Affairs at the Pritzker Military Library at 104 S.Michigan Avenue.



50th Interview Addded! - Mr. John M McCann

Rich Wozniczka of the library's Information Technology Services Department pointed out that the most recent interview was the 50th for the Niles VHP effort.

Mr. McCann served as a radarman aboard the USS Case in the Pacific during World War II. His interview can be read and heard at the library and will soon be similarly available over the internet through the Niles Public Library's homepage.

Charles Jacobs and His Honor Flight

Chuck made his Honor Flight on Wednesday, August 10, catching a dawn flight aboard Southwest Airlines. Upon his 9 p.m. return to Midway Airport, he is pictured with his wife Margaret and sons, Tim, Mark and Chris from left to right. Chuck served as a Pharmacist's Mate, 2nd Class, aboard the USS Sims (DE 154/APD 50) during its service in support of the Okinawa invasion.




Chuck was the first veteran to be interviewed at the Niles Public Library for the Veterans History Project.


Adrienne Szulczynski, pictured on the left, organized the library's welcoming team and crafted the engaging, colorful, tri-fold poster. A Navy veteran herself, she had her picture taken later in the evening with an Officer Zumwalt, a grand nephew of the famous Admiral.

"Hundred Years of Boot Camp" Great Lakes Naval Station

In the Friday, July 1st, issue of the Chicago Tribune writer Robet McCoppin recounts the proud and consequential history of the Naval Station Great Lakes, founded 100 years ago. On page 10 and 11 the reader can view a timeline, and pictures of such famous graduates as Michael Monsoor, the Fighting Sulivan Brothers, Carl Brashear, George Halas, and the Golden Thirteen.

Located about 30 miles north of Chicago on Lake Michigan, the training center has graduated 3.5 million recruits at a current rate of 35,000/year. The performance of sailors from the Midwest during the Spanish-American War is reported to have led military officials to chose a Great Lakes training site for the ocean-going navy.

A helpful timeline accompanied the articles in the newspaper on page 10.

Martha Barsky Interview

Then Martha Kleczewski, Mrs. Barsky joined the WAVES during World War II after she and Mr. Barsky became engaged. She and Mr. Barsky are the second couple to interview for the Veterans History Project Collection at the Niles Public Library. Bill and Martha Shipp had done so previously. Mrs. Barsky's interview is now available for reading at the library and her transcript and audio recording will soon be available via the library's site at nileslibrary.org.

Robert Barsky Interview

Mr. Robert Barsky served in the Pacific aboard the U.S.S. Foote. His interview has been added to the Veterans History Project Collection at the Niles Public Library. Both the transcript and audio recording will soon be available via the library's web site at nileslibrary.org.

Charles H. Borowsky Interview

Mr. Charles Haskell Borowsky's interview transcript has now been added to the Veterans History Project Collection at the Niles Public Library. After attending the Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point, N. Y., he served in the U.S. Merchant Marine and the U.S. Naval Reserve. The transcript and audio recording of his interview will soon be available over the internet via the library's web site at nileslibrary.org.

Patch Coverage of Veterans Breakfast

Pam DeFiglio of patch.com for Niles chronicled the annual breakfast in grand fashion with engaging text and well-chosen photographs. Pam also filed a spin-off, separate story, focusing on D-Day paratrooper, Matthew Wojtaszek of Niles.

New and Improved National Resource Directory

has been unveiled by the US Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs. The site was created for Wounded Warriors, Veterans and their families and caregivers.

The site's Homeless Assistance section has expanded.

This bulletin was proveded by Niels Larsen, a participant in the Veterans History Project at the Niles Library.

Annual May Library Display, May 2010

Veterans Al Aronson, Gus Habighurst, Chuck Jacobs, Niels Larsen, Ralph Ponfil, and Dick Vana contributed service items for the exhibit.

Remembering Okinawa: 65 Years Later Panel Participants

Three Marines Charles Matz, Ken Radnitzer, and Dick Vana are joined by Navy veterans Walter Beusse and Don Lewan as they field questions from the audience about their experiences in the Pacfic.

Remembering Okinawa, 65 Years Later 5th clip

Remembering Okinawa, 65 Years Later 4th clip

Remembering Okinawa, 65 Years Later 2nd clip

Remembering Okinawa: 65 Years Later, 3rd clip

Remembering Okinawa: 65 Years Later

Mr. Kenneth Radnitzer, Richard Vana and Charles Matz on his 91st Birthday were the guests of honor at the discussion and film program. The 3 U.S. Marines all fought in the last battle of World War II. There are 6 short clips in all from the 2 hour program

Gunnery Sergeant Charles Matz

Mr. Matz's interview transcript has now been completed and has been added to the library's collection. It will shortly be available to hear and read via the library's web site.

Veteran's History Project Interview of Norman R. Berkman.

Mr. Berkman served two tours of duty, first in Counter-Intelligence and then in Military Intelligence in Germany after the war.

Veterans History Project Interview, Matthew Potoczek

Veterans History Project Matthew F. Wojtaszek

Mr. Wojtaszek's interview can be read, listened to, and searched at http://www.nileslibrary.org/world-war-ii-europe