HEGINS - The latest publication by an area nonprofit group dedicated to preserving the history of local veterans has been released and is ready for distribution.
The Tri-Valley Area Veterans Committee Inc. has completed its third in a series of books, highlighting the lives of area servicemen and women.
"Defending our Freedom, Tri-Valley Area Veterans, Past, Present and Future, Book 3," is now available for purchase. Members of the committee presented copies of the publication July 31 to librarian Lorraine Oldham, who accepted on behalf of the Tri-Valley Free Public Library and the Tri-Valley Historical Society, and to Ronald Radel, who accepted on behalf of the Tri-Valley High School and the Hegins-Hubley and Mahantongo elementary schools.
Spanning nearly 100 pages, the latest book features a front cover with photos of the Barry Township Veterans Memorial plaque and the World War I Memorial at Hegins Park. The publication is dedicated to veterans from Barry, Eldred, Hegins, Hubley and Upper Mahantongo townships "for their service and sacrifice defending our freedom."
"We are very thankful and grateful for the freedoms they have helped preserve for all Americans," the book states.
Committee members include Leon Maurer, president; Eugene D. Seip, vice president; Cheryl Daubenspeck, secretary-treasurer; and Alfred R. Harner, Harold Todd Daubenspeck, Walter L. Rebuck, Herb J.F. Borchert, Robert "Whitey" Klinger and Bobby C. Shadle.
Information for a fourth book is already being compiled, Maurer said. Anyone wishing to contribute to the publication or to purchase a book should contact any committee member.
"We're still looking for more veterans to add," Maurer said.
The publication costs $15 and is being sold at Tri-County Insurance, Bixler's Meats, Miller's Hardware, the Veterans of Foreign War Post 8237 and American Legion Post 575, all of Valley View. The book is also endorsed by the Disabled American Veterans , Chapter 103.
All profits will be used toward the creation of the next veterans' book.
There are many photos and details within the book series that may inspire readers.
Maurer also revealed the following riddle for readers to explore:
"Who was the Army veteran from the Tri-Valley area who went to a Masonic meeting in Allentown 20 years after the war to hear guest speaker Navy Cmdr. Paul G. Carlson, who was astronaut John Glenn's instructor? After seeing Carlson, this veteran had a gut feeling about him. During the question and answer portion, this veteran asked what happened on Nov. 1, 1943. Carlson's eyebrows arched and he answered, 'I picked you up off the short islands in the Pacific when you were shot down.' This veteran was finally able to extend a sincere thank you to Carlson. Is this veteran in book 1, 2, or 3?"