Press Release in the Newton Kansan |
Posted: 11/10/2008 |
|
<Enter The Body
Veterans museum to open in Iowa
Local author’s brother to be featured
Submitted
Posted Nov 07, 2008 @ 10:52 AM
WATERLOO, Iowa —
A new national treasure is set to open this fall in America’s Heartland. The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum in Waterloo, Iowa, will play a role in preserving the history and service of all Iowa veterans, and serve as a national hub for research and genealogy studies.
The $11.5 million, state-of-the-art facility pays tribute at a time when the number of surviving World War II and Korea veterans is diminishing by the day. A Grand Opening event will be Nov. 15, to celebrate, and raise local and national awareness about its historic value.
The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum is an expansion of the Grout Museum District, a private, not-for-profit entity that has grown into a regional and national cornerstone of history, culture and the sciences. The museum addition is already attracting attention beyond state lines. “It has both regional and national appeal because of the many veterans that have served with our Iowa veterans,” said Cyd McHone, Grout Museum District Director of Development and Marketing. “The museum will be a great place for veterans’ tours and reunions, many are already scheduled months in advance.”
The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum is named after the five Sullivan brothers from Waterloo, Iowa. They lost their lives, along with 700 other crewmembers, when their ship, the USS Juneau, was sunk in the South Pacific on Nov. 13, 1942, in the Battle of Guadalcanal.
The 32,000-square-foot facility named in their honor consists of permanent and temporary exhibits, video histories, artifacts, plane and tank replicas, and a near life-size re-creation of the bow of the USS Juneau. Museum patrons will receive personalized veteran dog tags when they arrive, allowing them to experience an Iowan’s story. Interactive video exhibits also showcase hundreds of veterans’ stories, and a veteran registration program will serve as an important research tool.
“We want to be leaders in preserving this rich history of our veterans,” said Billie Bailey, Executive Director of the Grout Museum District. “This nation owes so much to veterans. We want to play our part in preserving that for generations.”
The Grand Opening celebration for the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum will be a daylong event. The Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Donald C. Winter, will lead the museum dedication, and the Parade Band of Navy Band Great Lakes also will perform.
‘With Love Stan’
Those who visit the museum in Waterloo, Iowa, should expect to see Sp4 Stanley D. Ross represented there as well as Iowa veterans from the Civil War through the current war in Iraq. A year ago, Bob Neymeyer, historian and project coordinator for the new addition, contacted Karen Ross Epp of Newton, after reading her book, “With Love Stan, A Soldier’s Letters From Vietnam To The World,” about her brother, Stan Ross.
“A book notice in the Des Moines Register attracted my attention to ‘With Love Stan.’ As historian for Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, I had been looking for an authentic, personal account of service in Vietnam. When I read the book, I knew I had found the ‘real thing.’ Here was an unvarnished narrative of a young soldier in the field. In his letters, he captured the fear of the battlefield, the anguish of loss, the humor of the absurd and the pride of service. Through all his experiences, he always made the connection with family and home. The family’s reflections on Stan help to further define him and the men who served with him. The letters and photos will form the core of our Vietnam exhibit. We consider it a great privilege to present his story in the museum so present and future generations can better understand the meaning of service and sacrifice,” Neymeyer said in a news release.
Stan was a member of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, Charlie Co, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry. He was mortally wounded on Oct. 20, 1969. The family has donated photographs, letters and other artifacts belonging to Stan for this exhibit. His mother Rose and father Russell are anxious to attend the dedication and view not only their son’s place in it but all those brave men and women who served, from Iowa, in the military, a news release stated.
Epp’s book will be on sale in the Museum gift shop.
About The Grout
Museum District
The Grout Museum District, accredited by the American Association of Museums, features permanent and temporary exhibits, educational opportunities for school groups, historic excursions, group tours, as well as many opportunities for individuals and families that visit the district daily.
For more information about the Grout Museum District and the new Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, visit the Web site at www.GroutMuseumDistrict.org. |
Veteran's Roundtable at Emporia, Kansas |
Posted: 10/18/2008 |
|
I was privledged to participate in a Roundtable in Emporia, Kansas on Tuesday night, October 14th, at the Lyon County Historical Museum.Veterans Frank Lowery and Rich Jagger who both were in Vietnam were guest speakers along with myself. After I showed a video of Stan's films he took while in Vietnam, we discussed and answered questions from the audience. Rich and Frank had many interesting stories and perspectives of their tour in Vietnam and what affect it had on their adult lives. Mr. Lowery is currently working on opening a Veterans Museum that will focus on support personel in Vietnam, who he felt were a tremendous help to the war on the ground and in the air. Becky Smith who manages the Town Crier Bookstore in Emporia is Rich Jagger's daughter. Becky has been very supportive and intrumental in getting my book out to the public in Emporia.
You can read more about the event at www.flyoverpeople.com
|
Stan's 40th class reunion. Class of 1968 |
Posted: 08/10/2008 |
|
I was honored to speak at my brother's, Stan's, 40th class reunion on August 9th in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
Class organizers put on a spectacular event. I gave a short presentation about my book, With Love Stan, showed a video, and signed books. Getting to visit with several of Stan's old friends and classmates was certainly a high light for me. My Mother and I as well as those attending, were treated to a wonderful sitdown meal and entertainment.
A special thanks to Gene Stewart, for helping with the Video setup, Barb Miller and Sandi Benge, for setting up the book signing and Stan's great friend, Steve Klaus for his support and help with everything!
A special treat for me was meeting Cristi (Bell) Vilsack, Iowa's previous First Lady. She knew Stan and shared her memories with me.
|
Lawrence High Rocks! |
Posted: 05/18/2008 |
|
Seeing my old friend and colleague Mike Ortman last week (Thursday) was a special treat, especially since I was invited to present Stan's story to his seminar class of juniors.
Mike was, and is, one of the most gifted educators I've had the privledge of teaching with. He brings history to life though his innovative teaching style, engageing students not only through recorded history, but as active participants in it.
After my introduction to the process of writing With Love Stan, students watched a video of Stan as a young man with his family and finally, in Vietnam with his army buddies. The class had great thought provoking questions for me. It was apparent they were well prepared for this important part of America's history.
Thanks Mike, students, and staff of Lawrence High! |
A Guest At Hillsboro High School |
Posted: 05/08/2008 |
|
I presented to Jim Robb's US History classes on April 30th at Hillsboro High School in Hillsboro, Kansas. A general session was held in the auditorium in the morning with all students in attendance. The Junior and Senior classes met during the afternoon for a more informal question and answer session. Jim has been using my book as part of the course work and study in his history classes.
Jim Robb is an award winning teacher who was recognized at the states Social Studies Conference last fall at Kansas State University. I was very impressed with the students grasp of the Vietnam era. Some students who previously or currently have relatives in Iraq, shared their feelings about what it's like to have a loved one in harms way and so far from home.
A big thanks to the teachers and office staff who made my visit relaxing and enjoyable . A special thanks to Dustin Dalke (Art Insturctor) for helping me with the technical stuff. Aunt Barb should be proud! |
Presentation at WACO High School |
Posted: 05/07/2008 |
|
On April 16th, I presented to the US History classes at Waco High School in Wayland, Iowa and to the Crawfordsville Middle School in Crawfordsville, Iowa. Bert Miller, Media Specialist for both schools, arranged and coordinated the visit. Hanna McDowell's, sixth grade students also particpated with questions and comments. Students were studying the Vietnam War in the high school classes and were integrating With Love Stan into their curriculum.
Ralph Osborn and Larry Black, Vietnam veterans, attended the Crawfordsville session. Ralph a friend of Stan's, generously donated three books to the middle school. Both men added their perspective of the war.
A special thanks to Wanda (Bachman) Brooks a high school classmate and friend who help me through the day with driving directions, lugging my materials form place-to-place and for the wonderful coffee and brownies at the end of the day.
It's comforting to know there a still places like Wayland and Crawfordsville. Small towns with big hearts. |
Newton High School |
Posted: 05/05/2008 |
|
Brian Kennell, history and social studies instructor at Newton High School, Newton, Kansas hosted my presentation on April 29th. Grant Scott (history) and Scott McCloud's (writing insturctor) students also sat in on some of the sessions. Brian uses his classroom set of With Love Stan, as a suppliment for studying the Vietnam War. Students were well prepared and had great questions after the presentation and film.
Some students who are thinking about enlisting in the military or who have relatives in Iraq were eagar to discuss their opinions and feelings about US past and present military conflicts.
Thanks Brian, for sharing my brother's story with your students. |
Flyover People Kansas Web Site |
Posted: 05/01/2008 |
|
Flyover People Kansas http://www.flyoverpeople.net/ web site is a unique site that displays everything that's great about our state. I invite you to check it out. |
Meeting the Pulpwood Queen, Kathy Patrick! |
Posted: 01/07/2008 |
|
It was my pleasure to meet and chat with the delightful and gracious Katy Patrick, author of a new book, Pulpwood Queens. Kathy was a guest author at Watermark Books and Cafe' in Wichita, Kansas yesterday for a signing and discussion on her whimsical and touching book about her life. Kathy has appeared on GMA, and Oprah as well as other entertainment spots.
Kathy grew up in Eureka, Kansas, but has traveled and experienced life to the fullest as reader discovered when taking the journey through her book. It is filled with humor, tears, reciepes, and food for thought for women of any age. Although she now lives in Texas, Kathy still considers Kansas, home.
I would highly recommend Pulpwood Queens. Grab a piece of chocolate cake, a good cup of coffee and enjoy!
Thanks, Kathy |
New Review |
Posted: 01/05/2008 |
|
I am pleased that Jeff Lowenthal, photo journalist, has posted a review of my book. Jeff took the April, 1975 photo of my parents and younger brother Phill for an artical on families who lost family members in the Vietnam War. I included the picture in With Love Stan.
Jeff is nationally know for his artful photographs of famous musicians. He is currently working on a retrospective of his earlier works.
Thanks, Jeff |
|
|