The StoryCorps-Warmamas Community Archive (2013-2015) is a collection of interviews with enlisted men and women, veterans, their family and friends. The collaboration between StoryCorps and Warmamasis part of StoryCorps' Military Voices Initiative which serves as a platform to allow military families to share their experiences. Warmamas also places a special emphasis on interviewing women whose children were deployed to serve in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. As a repository for personal reflections on the ramifications of war, the collection includes individual testimonies and helps to document American history.
Rose (a mother) explains how her son is 20 years younger than her daughter and was always close to her. They never discussed any aspect of the military even though her husband and brother were in the navy during the Vietnam war. Her son's decision to join the army came as a complete shock. She tried to convince him not to join the army but he was determined and became a combat engineer who dealt with explosives. He was injured during one of his missions in Afghanistan when a bomb exploded and was trapped under his vehicle going in and out of consciousness. He is blessed to be alive and has been able to continue doing his job. He did have injuries to two frontal lobes and lost some hearing. She is hoping that his injuries will improve with therapy but it's hard. She has had the support of her family and people from her school who always ask about her son.
Janine Lutz (52) tels friend and colleague, Michelle Coleman (30), about her son Johnny, his service in the Marines, and his suicide. She talks about the organization she has created to bring "battle buddies" together after they have returned from deployment.
Brenda (54) talks to lifelong friend Maria (62) about her years as a military spouse She also talks about how her daughter was inspired by her father's memory to join the reserves.
Ada Derevensky (58) speaks with husband, Mark Derevensky (58), about the enlistment of her son, Ferraz, in the Army, his deployment, and what it was like to be a mother with a son overseas.
James Sedille (38) speaks with Philip Busey (66) about his service in the Army, his deployments to Iraq and Afghansistan, and what it is like to return stateside.
Juan Garcia (57) talks to his son Carlo Javier Garcia (28) about Juan's military career. They also talk about how all of Juan's other children enlisted. Juan expresses how he's proud of Javier and did not want him to join.
David Kessler (57) talks with wife, Sharon Kessler (54), about their son's deployment to Afghanistan, how they coped, and what it is like having him home now.
Mother, Betty Noe (62) interviews her son, Alan Noe (27) about his decision to join the Army infantry, stories about his deployment in Baghdad, and what he misses most about his military life.
Patricia Sowers (58) interviews Manuel Cadre (24) about his experience in the Marine Corps, his deployment to Afghanistan, and his interest in foreign policy.
Lisa (53) talks to Beatrice (45) about her career in the Air Force, being stationed in Italy and Greece and how she was able to have a creative career in it.
Janine describes the experience she went through when Johnny attempted his first suicide. She says how he got a service dog and that Koby, his service dog, helped me greatly, but the post-traumatic stress still existed. The interview is in English.
Patricia begins by talking about sending letters or at least a sentence or two everyday through email. She is upset at the people who insult the army. Patricia says that the soldiers are dying for those who insult the army, but acknowledges that people have the right voice their disagreement. Nevertheless, those that insult don’t realize the pain they are causing. She questions what causes these inflammatory comments. She lays her faith in Christ and uses her belief as a source of strength. Her son also shares his commitment to the Lord and the manner in which he asks God to help him live one more day. The interview is in English.
Robert (43), a veteran, talks to Patricia (67) the founder of Warmamas, about his time at war. He talks about a time when a friend died in his arms. He also expresses how soldiers need support from their community.
