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Jennifer Holik

A Life Cut Short. Emil Paul Ratay

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A part of my family I know very little about are the Ratay/Ratajs. My great grandma Marie Rataj married Jan Holik. Marie had a brother named Joseph who lived briefly in Chicago like the rest of my Czech ancestors but then after military service (1912-1917), he moved his family to Cleveland, Ohio. I have a few scattered photos of this part of the family but most individuals are not identified. My cousin Emil Rataj/y is one of my military ancestors who was killed in service. This is part of his story.

Emil Paul Rataj was born 11 October 1921 in Ohio to Joseph and Steffee (nee Chaloupka). He was one of four children born to this family. His brothers were:

  • Joseph Albert Rataj born 25 December 1916 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio. He married Vilma Kralik.
  • Aldrich Rataj born 18 May 1918 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio. He married Ruth Ridge. Aldrich served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
  • Woodrow Thomas Rataj born 23 July 1928 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio. Woodrow served during the Korean War Era. He married Judith Huntsman.

Emil’s Brief Military Service

Emil Ratay photo

On 14 February 1942 he registered for the World War II Draft in Cleveland, Cuyahoga, Ohio. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces on 6 April 1943. His ASN was initially 35057948. At that time he was working at the Brost Pattern and Casting Company in North Royalton, Ohio.

2 January 1944  Emil was transferred from Headquarters, Maxwell Field, Alabama to 64th AAFTD, Southern Aviation School, Camden, South Carolina. To report for class starting 17 January 1944 in elementary pilot training.  Emil was part of Class 44-G and being moved with Squadron E, Group VIII.1

22 March 1944  Email was a member of Class 44-G of trainees were sent to Basic Flying School. Class would commence on 26 March 1944. Emil was transferred to start school at AAFBFS, Bush Field, Augusta, GA.2

4 August 1944 Emil earned his wings and completed his initial training at Columbus Army Air Field in Columbus, MS and officially became a Flight Officer (F/O) on active duty. At the same time, his ASN changed from that of an enlisted man’s to a Flight Officer and was T-65456. He was then transferred to Squadron T 815th AAFBU in Malden, Missouri.3

13 December 1944 Emil married Mildred Margaret Schreiner before going on an overnight flight on a C-47 on which he was Killed. Emil was to receive his 2nd Lt. Commission a few days later. Mildred was staying in town about 20 miles from the base so she could be with him when he was promoted.4

Accident Description

2nd Lt. Robert M. Moser and his crew took off from Malden, A.A.F. at approximately 0030 hours, 13 December 1944, in airplane #43-16047 after completing 3 hours and 15 minutes of glider tow under the supervision of his instructor, 1st Lt. Guy C. Wallis. The mission was to be a routine training flight to complete two hours of optional flying time.

One hour and 45 minutes later, aircraft #43-16047 crashed two miles northeast of Zalma, Missouri, in a rough wooded area. The crash and resulting explosion attracted the attention of Mr. L.A. James and his wife who live a mile and a half from the scene of the crash and were nearest inhabitants. Mr. James investigated and reported the crash to this station. There were no witnesses that saw the actual crash. Mr. James stated that both he and his wife had heard an airplane flying over his house a few minutes prior to the time of the crash but they had not heard anything unusual, such as an airplane flying extremely low or having engine trouble.

The scene of the accident gave very little evidence as to the possible cause or causes that resulted in the crash. The plane flying from north to south at a speed estimated by the Accident Board to be between 180 and 200 MPH hit the tree tops in a left wing low altitude of 45 degrees or more, sliced through 36 yards of trees, glanced from the top of the first ridge, shown in accompanying diagram (In Air Force Accident Report), and exploded upon impact with the next ridge. While the apparent altitude of the airplane was left wing low, the direction of travel was straight forward, more or less eliminating the possibility of a spiral.

Read Emil’s Air Force Accident Report.5

Members of the crew Killed in the crash

Pilot – 2nd Lt Robert M. Moser, O-829532

Co-Pilot – Flight Officer Emil

AE – Engineer CPL William H. Schauss 35732429

RO – Radio Operator CPL Kenneth H. Newell 39208274

Individual Deceased Personnel File

Emil’s IDPF is only 12 pages long.6 He was married only a few hours so his legal next of kin was still listed as his mother. As the plane exploded, it’s unlikely any of the four crew were able to be properly identified, yet Emil’s IDPF shows a $100 charge for a casket and a $15 charge for embalming. After a fiery crash, it’s unclear what would have remained to embalm or casket. It’s likely for each man casketed, a set of remains was placed into the casket not fully knowing if it was the correct man. there are no documents showing any type of identification by authorities or Graves Registration. Although it is likely a Graves Registration didn’t exist stateside to handle these types of deaths.

Read Emil’s IDPF.

Obituary

Flight Officer Emil P. (Rataj), residence. North Royalton, O., beloved husband of Mildred (nee Shreiner), son of Joseph and Steffie; brother of Joseph, jr., W. O. J. G., Aldrich F., U. S. Army in England, and Woodrow T., suddenly Dec. 13, 1944, at Malden, Mo. Friends may call at Searles & Bassett Funeral Home, corner State and Royalton rds., Royalton, after 10:30 a. m. Saturday and until 12 noon Monday. Services at the Baptist Church, Royalton rd., Monday, Dec. 18, at 2 p. m. Member of the Clark K. of P. Lodge No. 764, the Patternmakers Association of Cleveland and Czechoslovak Society of America, Cleveland Chapter No. 219.

Burial

Emil was buried in North Royalton, Ohio Cemetery, Sec B lot 310 4, on 18 December 1944.

Would you like to research your veteran? I can help!

If you’d like help researching your WWI, WWII, Korea, or Vietnam veteran or writing their story, let’s chat. I offer free phone consults for potential new clients. Email info@wwiirwc.com to get started today!

© 2025 World War II Research and Writing Center

  1. Special Order #2 dated 2 January 1944. HQ Maxwell Field, Alabama. National Archive, College Park, MD. ↩︎
  2. Special Order #59 dated 22 March 1944. HQ 64th Army Air Forces Flying Training Detachment, Southern Aviation School, Camden, SC. National Archives, College Park, MD. ↩︎
  3. Special Orders #197 dated 4 August 1944. HQ Columbus Army Air Field, Columbus, MS. National Archives, College Park, MD. ↩︎
  4. Arkansas, Arkansas, County Marriages, 1837-1957, , database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NMVR-NXF : 9 March 2021), Mildred Margaret Schreiner in entry for Emil P Ratay, 12 Dec 1944; citing Marriage, Greene, Arkansas, United States, county offices, Arkansas; FHL microfilm 2,171,099, ; digital images, FamilySearch (http://familysearch.org : downloaded 2 February 2022). National Archives at Washington DC; Washington DC, USA; Applications for Headstones for U.S. Military Veterans, 1925-1941; NAID: A1, 2110-C; Record Group Number: 92; Record Group Title: Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, application for Emil Ratay death 13 Dec 1944. ↩︎
  5. Air Force Accident Report for Aircraft #43-16047 dated 13 December 1944. Maxwell Air Force Base, Maxwell Field, AL. ↩︎
  6. “IDPF for Emil Ratay, SN T-65456,'” Killed on a training flight 13 December 1944, National Archives, 92: Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MO. ↩︎

Writing the Stories of War Workbook

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In 2016 I launched my book Stories from the WWII Battlefield Volume 3: Writing the Stories of War. This book is now available as a PDF workbook download on my website, Ancestral Souls Wisdom School.

Description:

Stories can save us. Stories have the power to heal. Stories help us preserve the past and provide hope that history will not repeat itself. For some cultures, storytelling is the primary method for transmitting a family or group’s collective history. For others, writing the stories to share with family or the world, is the method. When we write, we must ask ourselves, what writing really matters?

Consider the words you write as your legacy. Find ways to share your writing to document your life, to remember those who are no longer here, and to honor those who survived a time when the world was collapsing in chaos.

All the questions researchers need to start writing the stories of World War II from a U.S. perspective or overseas theater of war perspective, to honor those who lived in those chaotic years, are included in this volume. This book contains more than 500 writing prompts plus writing workbook, covering multiple themes for writers in the U.S. and overseas. This is the most important writing reference guide researchers need to begin writing the stories of World War II.

Are you ready to start writing? Purchase your Workbook today.

© 2025 World War II Research and Writing Center

War’s Echo in the Body

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The Medical Legacy of World War II Service

As Veteran’s Day approaches I felt called to look into the service of my great uncle, Frank J. Kokoska. My mom told me Uncle Frank had a lot of health issues, mostly in his hands and feet, due to his World War II service. Until the last few days, I really had no idea what those might have been. Although I assumed at least one disease, malaria, based on the fact he served in a Combat Engineer unit in the Pacific Theater. I always tell students it’s never a good idea to assume anything in military or family history research, and so far I’ve not found evidence of malaria but I have found a couple of other diseases.

Frank J. Kokoska

My great uncle Frank was born in Chicago, Illinois on 17 August 1906.1 In 1940 just before World War II began, he worked as a Conductor and Motorman for Rapid Electric Transit Line (’L’) in Chicago.2 At the age of 34, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.

Frank J. Kokoska

The family story was that Frank enlisted as a way to help “keep his nephew Frank J. Winkler” safe. He promised his sister Jenny Kokoska Winkler, that he would make sure Frank made it through the war.

No one could have promised that. It was unrealistic but probably made Jenny feel better that her son was going to war and someone would take care of him. Frank had been drafted in October 1943 after starting college. He was the family’s only son which made him the favorite son and grandson.

Frank J. Winkler

Frank Winkler ended up training at Camp Wolters, TX, an Infantry Replacement training center before being shipped to the European Theater of Operations (ETO), where he joined the 115th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division on 23 June 1944 and was Killed In Action within 24 hours near La Fossardiers, France. His date of death was 24 June 1944.3

You can read Frank Winkler’s story in my book, Stories of the Lost. While Frank Winkler was shipped to the ETO, his uncle Frank was shipped to the Pacific (PTO) to serve in C Co. 108th Combat Engineer Bn.4

Frank Kokoska’s Health Issues

While I’m still in the process of researching Frank’s service, here is what I know about his health issues once overseas.

12 September 1944 – 19 September 1944 Frank was admitted to the 161st Station Hospital base section “F” with FUO (fever of unknown origins) which was later diagnosed as Dengue Fever. Dengue fever is an illness spread by the bite of mosquitos infected with a dengue virus.5

I wondered what was the difference between Dengue Fever and Malaria if both are transmitted by mosquitoes. Apparently, the two diseases are spread by two different types of mosquitoes. Dengue is caused by the dengue virus while Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite. Dengue fever usually presents as: a high fever along with nausea, vomiting, rash, headache, and body aches. Malaria often presents as: fever, headache, and chills. I’ve often heard veteran families say that their veteran suffered the rest of their life from Malaria. I wonder if that is because the parasite infection was not properly treated and the parasite removed? I’m no doctor so I’m not sure.

9 November 1944 – ? Frank was admitted to the 237th Station Hospital at Finschaffen, New Guinea for dermatitis eczematoid on both hands. Dermatitis may result in different types of skin inflammation, typically characterized by itchiness, redness and a rash.6

6 December 1944 – ? Frank was again admitted to the 237th Station Hospital at Finschaffen, New Guinea for dermatitis eczematoid.7

March 1945 – Frank was admitted for Prostatitis, chronic (non-gonococcal); Diagnosis: Arthritis, Chronic, osteo-(hypertrophic degenerative), according to a Hospital Admission Index Sheet. A few months later, in July 1945 when Frank left the hospital he was processed for discharge.8

As you can see I have a lot of research to do on Frank’s service. But his health issues did make me think about the impact of service on a veteran and the family’s health.

Veteran Health Impacts the Entire Family

In conversation about the health of our nation’s veterans, we often hear people talk about issues and diseases related to Agent Orange and Vietnam service. I think we forget about our veterans who served prior to that and the chemicals, bugs, and conditions they endured which impacted their health.

I hear many clients tell me their dad served during the Battle of the Bulge and had trench foot. His feet were never the same the rest of his life. It impacted his ability to walk, withstand cooler or colder temperatures, and live a healthy, “normal” life.

Other clients whose fathers were Prisoners of the Japanese and endured Beri beri, malaria, dengue fever, malnourishment, and an assortment of other diseases, were impacted the rest of their lives. Perhaps they had malarial issues surface now and then. They had trouble keeping weight on or eating.

We know from World War I and gas attacks that the chemicals used to defeat the enemy (also used in World War II and other wars) created a host of illnesses within the veteran while in service and afterward. Those illnesses may have created changes in their DNA, eggs or sperm, which would have resulted in children born with potential issues.

We have learned throughout the years that chemicals absorbed or breathed into the body can create impacts on egg and sperm and therefore create generational health issues. Studies have been done on this and the stress and trauma related to military service that get passed down. This article is not a study on this and those article are easy to locate online if you are interested.

This article is however an invitation for you to ask deeper questions. Go beyond, the ‘what did grandpa do in the war’ type of questions to ‘how did the trauma, stress, weather, bugs, and chemicals’ impact his health? How did that impact the family when he returned home? How did it impact his descendants?

The Impact on the Family

Not only might have children inherited potential issues as a result of service and what the veteran was exposed to, but the entire family had to process and deal with the changes in the returning veteran.

The diseases and illnesses suffered overseas may have continued once the veteran was home and trying to resume a “normal” life. Hospital visits and stays were common among many families whose veterans had endured a lot of illness. Changes in family routines to accommodate illness, health, movement, and other issues had to be addressed. Families often also endured an early death of their veteran due to his exposure while in service.

These are issues we rarely touch on. Issues we need to address so our families can process and heal the trauma of war.

I certainly have a lot more research to do on Frank and my other family’s veterans, but this gives me a lot to think about. Have you explored these issues in your family history? What did you discover?

© 2025 World War II Research and Writing Center

  1. National Archives and Records Administration, U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946 (Name: The Generations Network, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2005;), Database online. Ancestry.com, Social Security Death Index (Name: The Generations Network, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2007;), Database online. Number: 349-09-5303; Issue State: Illinois; Issue Date: Before 1951. ↩︎
  2. Ancestry.com, 1940 United States Federal Census (Name: The Generations Network, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2002;), Joseph Kokoska Year: 1940; Census Place: Cicero, Cook, Illinois; Roll: m-t0627-00777; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 16-145. ↩︎
  3. Army Morning Report, 115th Infantry Regiment dated 4 July 1944. Entry for Frank J. Winkler, ASN 36695605. National Archives, RG 64, National Archives, College Park, MD. ↩︎
  4. Frank J. Kokoska Letters, , letter from overseas about war bonds and monthly paycheck. Lists C Co 108th Engineer Bn and ASN 20617411. Letter date 24 April 1944. ↩︎
  5. National Archives and Records Administration, “Morning Reports ca. 1912-1946. RG 64 Records of the National Archives and Records Administration,” digital images, NARA, NARA Catalog (https://catalog.archives.gov : download 1 November 2025), A&D Sheet Number 137, 161st Station Hospital dated 12 and 20 Sept 1944; citing entry for Frank J. Kokoska. ↩︎
  6. National Archives and Records Administration, “Morning Reports ca. 1912-1946. RG 64 Records of the National Archives and Records Administration,” digital images, NARA, NARA Catalog (https://catalog.archives.gov : download 1 November 2025), C Co 108th Eng Bn (C) dated 9 March 1944 entry for Frank J. Kokoska. ↩︎
  7. National Archives and Records Administration, “Morning Reports ca. 1912-1946. RG 64 Records of the National Archives and Records Administration,” digital images, NARA, NARA Catalog (https://catalog.archives.gov : download 1 November 2025), A&D Sheet dated 7 Decmeber 1944 for 237th Station Hospital; citing entry for Frank J. Kokoska. ↩︎
  8. “U.S., World War II Hospital Admission Card Files, 1942-1954,” digital images, National Archives and Records Administration; Hospital Admission Card Files, ca. 1970 – ca. 1970; NAI: 570973; Record Group Number: Records of the Office of the Surgeon General (Army), 1775-1994; Record Group Title: 112, Ancestry (https://ancestry.com : viewed/copied 18 August 2021), entry for Frank J. Kokoska; ASN 20617411; Mar 1945-July 1945 Convalescent Hospital Stay. ↩︎

Remembering the Fallen

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Behind every World War II service record lies a story of courage, sacrifice, and loss—especially for those who were taken prisoner, went missing, or died in service. Military records, specifically the Individual Deceased Personnel File (IDPF), hold the keys to uncovering these powerful stories, revealing the truth of what happened and honoring the men and women who paid the ultimate price.

On Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. CDT, I’m presenting WWII Sacrifice.

In this program you’ll learn:

  • What records were created by the American Grave Registration Service for World War I & World War II. How to access those records and tell your veteran’s story.
  • We will explore online resources for locating information.
  • We will identify Prisoner of War records and where to locate them.
  • I’ll share a case study on James Privoznik who was Killed in Action 11 January 1945. Through our research, writing, and travel journey, I’ll tell you his story and how I found information when most would say it is impossible.
  • Students also receive a program workbook and several IDPFs to download and examine. These IDPFs contain a lot of interesting information.
  • Replay available.

Access to the program workbook, files, and replay is six months.

Register today to save your spot for this important webinar, WWII Sacrifice.

© 2025 World War II Research and Writing Center

World War II Sacrifice Program

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Live webinar, Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. CST, World War II Sacrifice.

Our Fallen Deserve to be Remembered

Behind every World War II service record lies a story of courage, sacrifice, and loss—especially for those who were taken prisoner, went missing, or died in service. Military records, specifically the Individual Deceased Personnel File (IDPF), hold the keys to uncovering these powerful stories, revealing the truth of what happened and honoring the men and women who paid the ultimate price.

In this program, you’ll learn how to locate, interpret, and piece together POW, MIA, and death records to reconstruct the full story of a veteran’s experience—from capture to liberation, or from loss to legacy. Let the records guide you as you give voice to the silent heroes of your family’s past.

A replay will be available for this program. Learn more and register at World War II Sacrifice.

© 2025 World War II Research and Writing Center

When to Hire a Ghost Writer for a Veteran Book

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I believe every person carries within them at least one story that is waiting to be written, shared, and remembered. For many, that story is tied to a family veteran. Maybe it was a father who never spoke about the war but lived its effects for the rest of his life. Maybe it was a grandfather whose medals, letters, and flag sit in a dusty box deep inside a closet. These are loved ones whose legacies deserve to be documented and shared.

Let’s be honest, the thought of starting a book project can send someone into freeze mode because it can be overwhelming. It’s possible you might even feel a little intimidated at the thought of sharing your words. I’m not a writer, how could I possibly tell a story? Is that what you’re thinking? The problems are, you feel overwhelmed, are unsure where to start, may not have all the documents you need, and just don’t understand the processes to complete a book project.

This is where I can help. We can work together and I can be your co-creator, your storyteller, developmental editor, or even your ghost writer. I can help you turn your thoughts and words into a powerful book ready for publication.

You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s explore the ways a ghost writer can assist you on your book writing journey.

What Clients Require

It’s been my experience the last 15 years of being a military researcher and writer, that many clients want to create some sort of veteran book. It might a simple photo book. Perhaps a book based off a trip to Europe. Some have asked for complete veteran biographies from birth to death. In other cases it has been a collection of family veteran stories told in one volume.

The problem for the clients who have hired me to write or co-write has been that they normally do not want to write an entire book themselves. Although, I have had a couple clients do all the writing and I served as Developmental Editor. Some other issues clients have faced are lack of time, little desire to do the work, or lack of knowledge on the process of research, writing, and publishing.

There is nothing wrong with these problems or issues. We are not meant to be great at everything. We have the ability to hire an expert in areas we need assistance. If the toilet clogs, we call a plumber. Car dies we call a mechanic. Need a book written, we can call a ghost writer.

Benefits of a Ghost Writer

How can a ghost writer help you bring to life your veteran’s story?

  1. I am able to help you organize your materials, prepare research plans, and transform fragments of story, memory, emotion, and documents into a cohesive story.
  2. Listening to you in discussions throughout the process, I am able to help craft the voice of the book to your voice. I also help ensure the voice remains yours throughout the book.
  3. With my extensive research background, I am able to help you discover answers where you may have hit a brick wall. This allows you to fill in blanks and tell a deeper story. Additionally, I will help you verify and cite the sources for the information you present.
  4. Through the research process we can also identify which family stories are fact, which are fiction, and which are somewhere in between. It is important to distinguish these within your book so readers are not confused.
  5. I can help you bring depth and emotion to the book. I will often suggest other things to add to the story, including the impact of war on the veteran, family, and future generations. More of my clients are including this aspect of the veteran story in their private family books. Others are now including some details in books published for public consumption.
  6. As a ghostwriter, I also serve as a project manager who can help guide you from start to finish. Concept to published book.

These are just some of the ways a ghost writer can help bring your veteran book to life. Whether you need assistance in some of the writing or all of the writing, a ghost writer can help.

Are you ready to start writing your veteran book? Veteran’s Day is approaching along with the fall and winter holidays. It’s a great time to get started on research, writing, and gathering materials and stories from family.

From War to Words

If you would like to dive more deeply into the process of writing a veteran’s book, there is still time to join my new workshop, From War to Words. This is a brand new 3-Part Workshop + Coaching + Project Guides to Help You Turn Service into Story, and Memory into Legacy. Workshop one begins Wednesday November 12, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CST.

As we approach the holidays, now is a great time to start thinking about writing a veteran book. Family gatherings can provide new stories, photos, genealogy and military documents, and insight.

This is not just another webinar series. It’s a writing journey—with coaching support, research tools, writing prompts, PDF guides, and expert guidance through research, writing, design, and publication.

© 2025 World War II Research and Writing Center

From War to Words

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Have you ever dreamed of preserving your veteran’s story in a book—but didn’t know where to begin? Maybe it feels overwhelming. Maybe you’ve told yourself, “I’m not a writer…so how could I possibly do this?” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re exactly who this new program was created for.

With Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas just around the corner, you’ll soon have opportunities to sit with family, collect stories, photos, documents, and reconnect with the roots of your veteran’s journey. What better time to begin shaping a legacy that could be shared, printed, and ready for the world in 2026?

That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce From War to Words — a 3-workshop guided journey designed to help you move from uncertainty to authorship with clarity, confidence, and support every step of the way.

Workshop Structure

Over the course of three separate Zoom workshop dates, I will guide you through the basic processes of creating a book from start to finish. You will receive the following.

PDF Guides. This workshop offers several PDF guides and my writing prompt book to help you through the process of research, writing, and publishing.

Coaching. During this process you will receive three 30-minute coaching sessions. The first should be scheduled as soon as you register for the program and must be held before Wednesday, November 12. This allows me to understand your writing goals, where you are starting, and provide additional resources in the workshops based on student goals and needs. A second coaching session will come after Session 1. A final session can be scheduled for after Session 2 and before December 19. Coaching sessions must be booked and used within the time frames designated or they are lost.

Homework. Included in the workshops will be some homework for you to complete. This ensures you commit and start the book writing process. It also allows me to provide feedback, resources, and coaching to help move your book forward. After review of the homework we will have a private 30-minute Zoom coaching session.

Additional Education. There will not be time to teach you my two-part military research strategy which is vital to know to accurately research your veteran and save time and money. With this in mind, each student also receives access to my military research strategy webinars, Research a Veteran and The Greatest Generation. These webinars are available in the product with workbooks, for you to watch on your own.

This is not just another webinar series. It’s a writing journey—with coaching support, research tools, writing prompts, PDF guides, and expert guidance through research, writing, design, and publication.

Learn more and register to save your spot today! The journey begins November 12.

© 2025 World War II Research and Writing Center

The Archives May Be Closed But…

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Military research is still possible

As of October 1, 2025, the National Archives may be closed but there is a lot of information you can obtain from other sources to start or continue your World War I or World War II research or writing journey.

Did you know that there is a specific strategy to finding accurate information about your veteran’s service? Did you know there are resources available online, in local libraries, historical and genealogical societies, and other places outside of NPRC and NARA? While you may have to wait for the archives to reopen to obtain certain records, there is so much you can discover right now.

In this two webinar plus Q&A event on November 1, 2025, you will learn my two-part military research strategy which will save you time, money, and frustration. You may also discover some tips to help you write your veteran stories. Learn more and register for my live event, Research a Veteran.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, November 1, 2025.

9:00 a.m. CST – Program 1: Research a Veteran

10:15 a.m. – Short break

10:30 a.m. – Program 2: The Greatest Generation

11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Q&A for those who wish to say and ask questions live.

Learn more and register for my live event, Research a Veteran.

Program 1 Research a Veteran

Exploring the Basics of Military Research

All the records DID NOT burn. Answers can be found and stories written no matter what anyone tells you. There is a strategy to correctly research 20th century military service, regardless of branch. In this session you will learn:

  • Where to begin your research at home.
  • What questions to ask.
  • The first part of the research strategy to learn any veteran’s story from any 20th century war and and military branch.
  • What records you need to establish the foundation and where to locate them.
  • How to create a timeline of service.
  • How to begin writing the story.

Exploring the Greatest Generation

Adding Context to the Veteran’s Story

Contextual records are everywhere, not just the National Archives! Once you have established what units your service member was in and where they served, it is time to explore unit-level records. In this program you’ll explore:

  • The second part of the research strategy to piece together your veteran’s story.
  • How to add to your timeline of service and expand the narrative.
  • Explore various histories, journals, photos, and maps for all the military branches.
  • You will learn about the most valuable foundational records to put your service member into context and write a richer story everyone will want to read.

These records help you write the narrative to your stories. They will also help you understand why your veteran was who they were after service, and probably bring up more questions for you to consider.

Are you ready to get started on your veteran journey? Learn more and register for my live event, Research a Veteran.

Workbooks and video replays will be available.

© 2025 World War II Research and Writing Center

Every Veteran Has a Story—Let’s Find Yours

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The way we access genealogical and military records has changed dramatically since 2020. Many people are now able to do most or all of the military research on their own. The biggest problem for most people is that they aren’t sure how to begin, what records they need, and how to accurately reconstruct military service, even with the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF). Additionally, the myth that all the records burned so nothing is possible still circulates. And it’s wrong. There is so much information you can obtain. Answers ARE available if you know where to look.

To help people research their veterans, especially those who want to do the majority of the work on their own, I’m now offering new ways to work with clients.

  1. Coaching Session. For people who want to do as much of the research themselves, clients can invest in a 60-minute coaching session. In this session we will construct a research plan, I will advise on what records you need to begin and where to locate them. I will also advise on when or if you’ll need to work with a researcher to obtain some of the records. Want to learn how to research on your own? Purchase access to the Honoring Our Heroes Program.
  2. Research Project. Work with me on a research project. See below on everything my clients receive.
  3. Writing or Book Project. I offer ghost writing services, developmental editing and book design services. Preserve and honor the remarkable stories of yourself, your ancestors, veterans, and the legacies they’ve left behind. We understand the importance of capturing and sharing these unique narratives that span generations. Our mission is to guide you through the process of unearthing and documenting your family’s rich history, while also providing a supportive environment to explore and heal from generational and war trauma. All of my writing services are outlined at the Ancestral Souls Wisdom School under Writing Services.

Read Research Testimonials.

If you’d like to explore possibilities, email me at info@wwiirwc.com to set up a free phone consult.

© 2025 World War II Research and Writing Center

Webinars & Institutes Aren’t Always Helpful

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Let’s face it. Since 2020 when we were forced away from in-person genealogy and military research gatherings and pushed online to watch endless webinars or attend endless Zoom work meetings, most of us are burnt out. We don’t want to watch another webinar that may not get us to our research goals. We don’t want to spend money on genealogy institutes which require fees for the institute, travel, lodging, meals and anything else that we require to attend.

Webinars, conferences, and in-person institutes are great if you are seeking general military research knowledge. But for many these are too expensive, too lengthy, and may either be too advanced or too general to provide the personalized answers you need for your unique military research and writing journey.

Every family story, every archive search, and every project comes with its own set of challenges—and webinars, conferences, and institutes simply can’t always address all the roadblocks you’ll encounter along the way. That’s why so many people leave these sessions inspired, but still stuck.

Coaching changes that.

Introducing Research a Veteran Coaching. 60-minute private coaching sessions.

With one-on-one guidance, you get tailored strategies, clear next steps, and direct support that meets you exactly where you are. Instead of wasting money and hours sifting through conflicting advice, wondering if you’re “doing it right,” and still not finding answers, you’ll move forward with clarity and confidence.

Coaching doesn’t just save time, money, and frustration—it gives you momentum and the tools to finally complete the research or writing project you’ve dreamed of.

Are you ready to receive the 1-1 support you require from a professional military researcher, author, and teacher, of 15 years who developed the two-part research strategy to research any veteran even if the records burned? Let’s get started today with your first 60-minute coaching session. 

Book your Research a Veteran Coaching 60-minute private coaching session today.

© 2025 WWII Research and Writing Center