We have the 300th hero identified- Aunt Faye!

Friends, I'm thrilled to report that an email to me a few weeks ago, from Peter Jones, has delivered our 300th World War II Radio Hero- Mrs. Faye Howell of Culver City, CA!

Peter emailed me with a wonderful story of his Aunt Faye and his pursuit of putting all of her work and the many thank-you letter received by her, into a book of his own. You can read more about Peter, Aunt Faye and his work on our Facebook page. I've included a snapshot teaser below. If that link fails, go to Facebook and search for World War II Radio Heroes: Letters of Compassion. We're a public group. I simply accept your request to join.

Surely, there were far more than 300 men, women and children dedicating themselves to enemy airwaves to serve fellow man. But, I'm over the moon that we've identified, by name and address, 300 of them. We'd still like to see a bipartisan support for collective recognition of them, so if you know anyone who can further our cause, reach out. I'll give you everything I have and all that I know to make it happen! Thank you for your steadfast support. Now, let's ready ourselves for 301...

Reach Out to an American Hero Today!

I was delivering a luncheon keynote recently to distinguished group of women in Upper St. Clair, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. One participant was delighted to share this website with me after my talk. It is a website where you can be matched up with a service member to share emails and letters. The website serves as a pseudo pen-pal matchmaker. I love the idea!

So, don't hesitate to check out www.AnySoldier.com and locate a deserving hero who would like to hear from you, your children's school, your organization, etc...

Let's keep in mind what a kind word from a stranger can do for someone who is serving our country in various capacities.

World War II Radio Heroes: Letters of Compassion is all about ordinary citizens reaching out to those in need during a difficult time in our history. Let's continue in that tradition by thanking and befriending our heroes today.

Bottom line: Let's show some love.

You'll be proud of yourself for doing so.

The Lincoln Highway Connection to WWII Radio Heroes

I first met Brian Butko in the summer at the Bridgewater Book Festival. He is the author of a half dozen books, the editor for the Western Pennsylvania History Magazine, and an all around cool guy. He has great interest in history of course, but his areas of interest are more obscure than most historians. He writes about the roadside landmarks you remember as a kid, the places and faces that we love but often take for granted.. until there gone that is.

Brian and I kept in touch over the months and he volunteered himself and his son, Andrew, to read for World War II Radio Heroes: Letters of Compassion (2008). Andrew was our youngest reader and read for our most prominent hero in the book, Flavius Jankauskas (who wrote to my family in 1943 as a 16 year old short-wave listener).

Brian and I most recently came together again at the Heinz History Center's Holiday Book Fair. It was perfect timing for me to give him his copy of our work- the audio book was completed a week prior.

I'm privileged to know Brian Butko. He's a very fascinating man with great stories- and road trips to tell you about.

Check out his site and latest book here: http://www.lincolnhighwaynews.com/ Take a stroll down memory lane.

After hearing Brian talk about the Lincoln Highway, which I drive frequently, I look at it differently. I'm eager for the spring so I can take a road trip of my own!