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Finding the Answers: Basics of WWII Research

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Last week I gave four talks at the RootsTech genealogy conference in Salt Lake City. My Dutch husband, Johan, attended with me in his WWII 101st Airborne re-enactor uniform. The conference experience was intense and amazing. We received so many comments, heard so many stories as people tried hard to contain their emotions, learned new things, and opened space for people who told us they too communicate with the other side or know the healing power of this research.

If you missed the live stream of my first talk, Finding the Answers: Basics of WWII Research, you can watch it on live stream.

DearMyrtle interviewed us on her AmbushCam, which you can watch on YouTube.  In this interview you get more of an idea of who Johan and I are and how we contribute to saving the stories of our WWII service members.

Would you like to know more about research? Please visit our website and sign up for our newsletter. You can also join our FB group, WWII Education where we discuss research and have videos and other resources available, including some unit-specific experts.

Need research assistance, we are taking clients right now. Please contact us at info@wwiirwc.com to set up a consultation to discuss project options.

© 2018 World War II Research and Writing Center

New WWII Travel & Army Quick Guides Available

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Today is day 1 of the RootsTech conference. Are you attending? If so, please check out the four WWII talks I’m giving the next four days. You may consider bringing tissues because at the end of the programs I tell very emotional war stories.

I am excited to announce three new Quick Guides are now available on Kindle and Paperback. AND the four guides we published in January on Kindle are now also available in Paperback! When you visit our BOOKS page, you will see two sections for the new Quick Guides. One for the general guides and one for branch specific guides.

What’s new?

Finding the Answers: World War II Travel in Europe

Finding the Answers: Researching World War II Army Service Part 1

Finding the Answers: Researching World War II Army Service Part 2

You can download our flyer for all our quick guides here to share with your genealogy societies, libraries, military museums, archives, and other organizations.

There are more Quick Guides coming this spring along with some online courses to help you move from the information in these guides to deeper levels of research into the records. If you haven’t joined our newsletter list, you might consider it. Announcements will be made to our subscribers about the new courses and discounts when they are offered.

© 2018 World War II Research and Writing Center

 

Get to Know WWII Researcher Jennifer Holik

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In January I launched a short film about who I am and my business. Would you like to get to know a different side of me and the work I do? To learn more, please visit the Services section of this website. If you are attending RootsTech next week, consider attending one of the four WWII classes I’m teaching.

© 2018 World War II Research and Writing Center

World War II Writing Course at RootsTech

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I will be teaching my fourth and final program at RootsTech on Saturday 3 March at 11:00 a.m. Please join me for Battlefield Stories in Ballroom J.

Description: Have you researched your World War II soldier or civilian and need tips on where to go next? Have you organized your materials – digital and paper records? Have you written the story? Are you unsure where to start? Using organizational tips, attendees will learn ways to organize their military records. Then using examples of writing prompts and writing formulas, attendees will learn ways to begin writing their World War II stories.

In this hands-on, engaging, and informative presentation, Jennifer shares:

• Basic World War II research tips for soldier research.

• Tips on organizing military records, both digital and paper.

• A formula for writing a military story

• Writing prompts to get your writing flowing.

Want more educational opportunities:
Join our newsletter list and receive a free research guide. You will then be invited to our Facebook group.
Pick up one of our new Quick Guides to research. More will be released the 28th!
Need help with your research? We are taking new clients. Email us for more information on projects.

© 2018 World War II Research and Writing Center

Advanced WWII Research Class at RootsTech

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Are you attending RootsTech this month? I will be teaching four World War II research and writing classes. Learn advanced research techniques at The Greatest Generation: Advanced World War II Research. Session Number: RT1742 in room 251E on Thursday 1 March at 4:30 p.m.

Description: The follow-up to Finding the Answers. It will be assumed attendees have basic knowledge about World War I and II research. After briefly touching on the basics of obtaining the OMPF, attendees will learn about additional records to trace the service of their soldier, sailor, or Marine in World War II. In this engaging and informative presentation, Jennifer shares: A trip through time, exploring the service history of several men and women. A brief recap on starting research and obtaining the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF). Air Force Accident Reports, Missing Air Crew Reports, Navy/Marine Corps Mission Reports. A look at Casualty and Prisoner of War (POW) records. Tips on weaving military, genealogical, and historical records together. Using Museums for research.

Looking for more educational opportunities:
Join our newsletter list and receive a free research guide. You will then be invited to our Facebook group.
Pick up one of our new Quick Guides to research. More will be released the 28th!
Need help with your research? We are taking new clients. Email us for more information on projects.

© 2018 World War II Research and Writing Center

 

Pre-Order Available for WWII Travel in Europe

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New Quick Guides will be released 28 February for the Kindle and in Paperback. You can now pre-order our Quick Guide on travel.

Disclosure: The link is an affiliate link and I make a small percentage off the sale.

Pre-Order on the Kindle: Finding the Answers: World War II Travel in Europe

Congratulations with taking a first step on a journey to learn more about your World War II soldier’s, sailor’s, airman’s, or Marine’s military service and walk in their footsteps in Europe. World War II travel is done for many reasons. There are people who enjoy seeing the major battle sites and hearing history of the more famous units who helped win the war. Veterans still travel to Europe to walk where they fought, meet old friends and make new ones, and attend commemorative events. There are some who unexpectedly end up at a cemetery or battlefield and take an interest in the war. Finally, there are many who travel to heal their souls and find answers or closure to questions they have had about their father or mother’s service. Whatever your reason for World War II travel, I invite you to be open to anything that shows up on your journey.

This quick guide introduces you to:

  • Doing your homework. Helping you learn about your service member’s history prior to travel.
  • Trip planning tips.
  • Considerations for hiring a travel agent, traveling with a tour group, or traveling on your own.
  • Learning about living history in Europe.
  • Ways to preserve the details and memories of your trip.
  • Ways to contribute to preserving World War II history in Europe.

Are you ready to travel in your soldier’s footsteps in Europe?

© 2018 World War II Research and Writing Center

Beginning WWII Research Class at RootsTech

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Are you attending RootsTech this month? I will be teaching four World War II research and writing classes. Only the first class, Finding the Answers. The Basics of World War II Research will be livestreamed. If you will be on-site, you can find this course in Ballroom A at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday 28 February.

Description: All the records burned! A fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, in 1973, destroyed approximately 80% of the Army, Air Forces, and National Guard records. This is not the end of the research possibilities for researchers. Many alternative record sources exist to reconstruct service history. Learn how to research World War I and II records for any branch of the military and civilian service, in this informative program. In this engaging and informative presentation, you will learn: A trip through time, exploring the service history of several men and women. Explore resources to search prior to obtaining military and civilian records. Provide information on obtaining Official Military Personnel Files and Civilian Files. Show you what military records can be used to reconstruct service history. Tips on weaving military, genealogical, and historical records together. A brief exploration of the Individual Deceased Personnel File (IDPF).
Want more educational opportunities:
Join our newsletter list and receive a free research guide. You will then be invited to our Facebook group.
Pick up one of our new Quick Guides to research. More will be released the 28th!
Need help with your research? We are taking new clients. Email us for more information on projects.

© 2018 World War II Research and Writing Center

Now Available – WWII Research Quick Guides

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The World War II Research and Writing Center is pleased to announce the publication of four new World War II Quick Guides, available on the Kindle! Are you ready to start Finding the Answers to your World War II questions?

Finding the Answers: Starting World War II Research

World War II research is surrounded by stories and myths which often give people the perception they cannot obtain any information about military service.

  • Have you heard, ‘All the records burned!’
  • Have you read on a website that you must be the next-of-kin to receive information?
  • Do you think sending in one form to request records gives you everything available?
  • Do you know there are additional records at NPRC, that staff will not search for you, that are required for Army and Army Air Forces research?
  • Do you think starting your search in unit records will provide all the answers?

Did you know there are many records available you can obtain by visiting the archives or hiring a research firm like mine? Records the archives will not search for you to reconstruct service history?

If records exist, what is the problem? Why haven’t researchers and family members been able to reconstruct service history easily on their own? The problem is, any books or guides produced by military museums, archives, libraries, and other groups, talk only about the fire, what you cannot get, and a few major record sources. Usually these materials stress searching unit level records, which is not the place to start research. None of these guides explains through a process, how to use other resources and records to reconstruct service history for all branches.

In this guide you will learn everything you need to know to start your World War II research, even if the records burned. Armed with the information you discover, you can find the answers to your military research questions.

Finding the Answers In the Individual Deceased Personnel File (IDPF)

Finding the Answers. This is what each person who starts WWII research hopes to accomplish. We often begin with many questions, to which answers are often elusive. This is often the case when those questions concern those who died in the war or are still considered Missing In Action (MIA).

Who do we ask about our family member’s service, especially when most of our WWII-era family members are gone? What records exist to help find the answers? The Individual Deceased Personnel File (IDPF) is the most important file you need to help you find the answers to your questions regarding those who died in service. The IDPF documents the death, and temporary and final burial details, of WWII service members from all military branches.

This quick guide introduces you:

  • What the IDPF is and is not.
  • To the questions about military service and death you may be able to answer through the pages of this file.
  • The history of the men who created the records.
  • Information on obtaining the file and other records.
  • Where to go to learn more.

Are you ready to Find the Answers about your family’s war dead?

Finding the Answers: Discovering World War II Service Online

Finding the Answers. This is what each person who starts WWII research hopes to accomplish. We often begin with many questions, to which answers are often elusive. The most logical place to search for answers to our World War II questions is online.

There is a common misconception that all military records exist online. While many records are digitized and placed on line each day, the fact is, most of the records required are in paper format in repositories and archives. Requiring records that exist only on paper may leave you wondering, what can I find online? How can I find information easily?

This quick guide introduces you to:

  • Reasons to research WWII service online.
  • What records may be available online.
  • Techniques to make searching easier.
  • A research form to track websites you’ve visited.
  • A sample of websites on which you can find information.
  • Checklist of specific databases and indexes.
  • Where to go to learn more.

Are you ready to Find the Answers about your family’s military service online?

Finding the Answers: Researching Women in World War II

Finding the Answers. Are you seeking answers to questions about your family’s female World War II service member or civilian worker?

Women played crucial roles during World War II after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Men felt an obligation to join the military and rushed to enlist. Enlistment and later the draft, required men to vacate jobs on the home front. As a result, women were recruited and trained to take over jobs left by men. The military also began programs for women to volunteer to aid the war effort, or in some cases, join the military as enlisted personnel and officers.

This quick guide introduces you to:

  • A brief history of the shift of roles women played at home and in service.
  • Histories of the components of each military branch in which women served.
    • Army: Women’s Army Corps (WACs), Army Nurses, Army Air Forces – Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs) and Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS).
    • Navy WAVES – Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, Navy Nurses.
    • Coast Guard SPARS
    • Marine Corps Women’s Reserve (MCWR)
  • Histories of the civilian organizations in which women served
    • Red Cross
    • USO
  • Tips for locating information to begin a search for records with checklists.

Are you ready to start searching for information on your female service member?

Coming soon!

Finding the Answers: World War II Travel in Europe

Finding the Answers: Researching World War II Army Service

Finding the Answers: Researching World War II Army Air Forces Service

Finding the Answers: Researching World War II Navy Service

Finding the Answers: Researching World War II Marine Corps Service

Finding the Answers: Researching World War II Coast Guard and Merchant Marine Service

Researching your service member’s history can be complex. The World War II Research and Writing Center provides expert research experts to tackle your most challenging research questions. Contact us at info@wwiirwc.com for project details and costs. We have researchers on-site at the National Archives facilities to obtain materials within a few weeks, and a network of researchers and tour guides around the globe.

© 2018 World War II Research and Writing Center

Remembering James 11 January 1945

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73 years ago today, my cousin James Privoznik was Killed In Action near Bras, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge. Today I think about him, as I do most days, but especially on the anniversary of his death.

James appeared in my life in 2012 and remained with me until 2016. During those years, he assisted in several areas of my life, including the reshaping of my business, as I moved from doing only genealogy, to focusing on WWII research. Together we traveled to Europe twice in 2015. The first trip was dedicated to walking in his footsteps, flying his final burial flag at Luxembourg Cemetery where he sleeps, and walking in the woods where he was killed. The second trip was more for me, to move through some things and create something new in life. He was with me every step of the way.

Is it possible to love someone you’ve never met in this life? I think so. The love felt went both ways, but as all things go, there always comes an end.

One of James’ last acts of love for me during the years he was part of my life, was to take part in me meeting my  husband. After that, it wasn’t long before he asked to be released and sent to the light. He had helped me create a military business and open up to my healing abilities. He also completed what he needed to, so he could leave this place. While I was sad to see him go, I knew our time together was finished and he had done everything he need to do, sometimes with my help.

Today it is not with tears I remember James, but love, happiness, and a smile. I’m so grateful for everything he did to help me in the time we were together.

Would you like to learn a little more about James’s life? You can read my article on Identifying those Unidentified Photos.

Would you like to read James’ story? You can find it in my book, Stories of the Lost, available in Paperback or Kindle.

© 2018 World War II Research and Writing Center

Visiting the Land of my Ancestors – Part 2 (Prague)

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This is day 2 of Visiting the Land of my Ancestors. Part 1 can be read here.

Our first full day on honeymoon in Prague. Yesterday we traveled and had an amazing time walking through part of the city. Today we were tired so chose to sleep as late as possible, without missing breakfast at the hotel, and do as little as possible and more thoroughly enjoy what we chose to see and do.

After breakfast the first target of the day was to find me some kolacky. My grandma used to bake them. While I could drive 30 minutes to a Czech bakery in Chicago to get some, I never do. They take a while to make so I don’t bake them either. Kolacky isn’t something you find in most restaurants in Prague. We asked at the hotel front desk where I could get some and the market down the street was suggested. Kolacky, we were told, was more of a rural tradition on special days. Not something you find on most menus. Apple Streudel – not that is on practically every menu. Sadly on Saturday there was no market. We did however go into a large shopping mall in search of something for Johan and in the lowest level, found a cart selling traditional Czech pastries!! Yes!!!

After purchasing my Czech sweets we headed out to wander the Old Town Square in full daylight. We took more photos of the astrological clock – one of my favorite things in Prague. We went into the Old Town Hall to look at their information brochures and found a WWII in Prague tour. I contemplated touring the Old Town Hall but the wait was 45 minutes until the next tour which would go into the Gothic and Roman Cellars. We were tired so I opted to wait until Sunday to see if I still wanted to do it. It was a good thing I waited. While we were there, the Old Town Hall was having some outside restoration done so most of the building was covered. I guess next time we’ll see it in all it’s glory.

After a coffee, we explored some more and found some gorgeous doors and art in the city. When I stroll around Chicago, I always look up to see what is on the buildings. In Prague my head almost got stuck in the “looking up” position. There was so much to see from art above doorways, Mother Mary watching over us in many locations, hanging door signs, statues, paintings, mosaics, and so much more. There were also so many old doors to look at. I have a thing for doors. I do. I LOVE old doors. I always wonder what their story is. Who used to go through them. Into what new world did the enter? How did that change their life? If I went through one, what would happen? Could I time travel? What adventures could I have? So many doors.

We took a walk and ended up at one bridge at the river. Not the Charles Bridge. That was yet to be crossed. After taking some photos of Prague Castle and looking down the river toward the Charles Bridge, and thenadmiring more art on buildings, we wandered near Wenceslas Square and found some lunch in an outdoor cafe. The cafe was called Švejk after the book The Good Soldier Svejk. I had heard of this book, but have not read it. Johan was much more well educated on Švejk though.

When we finished eating I wanted to powder my nose so headed inside the restaurant. The walls were lined with Švejk Stained Glass or paintings. Merchandise lined some shelves. As I proceeded down three levels to the Roman Cellars, I finally found the powder room and several other rooms with more stained glass on the walls and also over the bridge that was on the level above me connecting rooms. It was incredible. I took a few photos before I left. I wonder how many people go down there to just stand in awe of the beautiful art…. The last photo is the bridge. Beneath this row of photos is one stained glass which is a bridge panel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I do admit I had to see the stained glass more than once so ventured down to the cellars again. The cellars themselves are amazing and gorgeous. Most of the restaurants have small rooms off the main cellar – as you can almost imagine from the bridge photo above – rooms off to each side of the tunnel. The spaces are magical and inspiring. You do, in a way, time travel to the Gothic and Roman times when you go into the depths of these buildings. I wonder how many of my ancestors would have done that in these buildings – of course in a time they were more street level.

From there we wandered up and down Wenceslas Square, which contained more art on the buildings. This is another area of Prague you could explore for hours – just looking up at the buildings. Art, statues, architecture. Just gorgeous.

Without intent to take it easy today, we ended up back at the hotel for a coffee, snack and rest before venturing out for  the concert in Our Lady of Tyn Church. Dinner we decided, would have to come after the concert.

The concert was incredible and featured some of the same members as the group the night before. On Saturday night they added the organ, an opera singer who sang Ave Maria, and a trumpet player who played a few songs. I enjoyed most of the concert, but not so much the organ. One organ song is ok. After that……. The soloist who sang Ave Maria was wonderful. I was grateful we took advantage of this experience. It was a great end to another magical day.

Of course, after the concert we were starving. Not quite finding something that we wanted in the Square, we ended up back at the hotel and had a lovely dinner, with of course, a Pilsner!

My second day in the land of my ancestors brought more magic and possibility to my life. And more awareness that yes, Jennifer can relax on a trip and just enjoy slowing down. Thank you husband for helping me do that.

© 2017 World War II Research and Writing Center