Veterans History Project

Veterans History Project

There is perhaps no better way to learn about history than through firsthand accounts. You get a better understanding of what really happened when you hear directly from those who lived through the events. That’s what the Veterans History Project (VHP)—an initiative that aims to preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans—seeks to do. 

Since the VHP was approved by Congress in 2000, over 100,000 veterans have described their service in audio and video recordings that are now part of the collection. Submissions have been archived from veterans of World War I through Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. These men and women participated and witnessed some pivotal events in our nation’s history. 

Arkansans have a long and proud history of supporting our nation’s military. More than 200,000 veterans call Arkansas home, however only 1,200 Arkansas veterans’ stories are part of the VHP collection. I want to make sure this collection includes examples of courage, bravery and service of as many Arkansans who have worn our nation’s uniform as possible. 

Many of us have family members and friends who have served in the Armed Forces. Capturing and preserving their memories is a great way to honor their service and commitment to our country.

For more information on how you can participate in the Veterans History Project, visit http://www.loc.gov/vets

Recent 'Salute to Veterans' Highlights

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized the service and sacrifice of Maddie Willyard in ‘Salute to Veterans,’ a series highlighting the military service of Arkansans. Willyard was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Chicago when she was 7 years old. In high school, her family moved to a northern suburb because of safety concerns. While Willyard’s family has a history of military service, her path to wearing our nation’s uniform started as a result of trying to avoid an angry teacher who was upset she did not complete her homework. Click here to learn more about Maddie's time in service. 

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized the service and sacrifice of Kenneth Griffin in ‘Salute to Veterans,’ a series highlighting the military service of Arkansans. Griffin’s father served in the Air Force and the family moved around the world to support the mission. “He would take me out to the airplanes when we were in California and Gaum, sit me in the cockpit and he’d say, ‘son you want to be an Air Force pilot’ so that was ingrained in my head from being a little kid,” Griffin said. When his dad retired, the family moved to Batesville. After graduating from Batesville High School he enlisted in the Air Force. Click here to watch clips from his full interview. 

Chris Traxson was born in Rogers and graduated from Rogers High School in 1999. He served as a police officer for his hometown and, after a year in that role, enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve. He is from a family with a history of military service and was inspired to serve in the War on Terror. Traxson  wanted to serve on the frontlines and was convinced the Marine infantry division was the quickest path to combat. In 2006, he was deployed to Fallujah. He’d only been in Iraq four weeks when he was injured by an IED. Click here to learn more about Traxson's service and his recovery. 

The late Marvin Trigg grew up on his family’s farm in rural Missouri. He was put to work at an early age milking cows and using a two man crosscut saw to harvest wood. He enlisted in the Army in 1955 when he was 21 years old. His family was supportive of his decision. He was stationed at Fort Chaffee and Fort Knox during his service. Click here to learn more about his time in uniform.