Some of the most interesting stories stem from reality. After answering his granddaughter's questions about his experience in World War II, Alvin Borchert decided to document his stories in a memoir, the Havasu News reported. He enjoyed sharing his experience so much that he plans on writing another one in the coming year. Stories like these are growing in popularity, thanks to certain programs and services that encourage the documentation of war experiences.
Borchert's experience
Borchert's story, "Air Rescue Behind Enemy Lines," describes his life at war and features a gripping tale of what it was like to be onboard his plane, Lady Luck, when the engine failed and he had to jump out of it before it crashed to the ground. According to the news source, Borchert said that the landing was the least of his worries. Once safely on the ground, he had to find shelter and live off of bread and goat meat and milk. This experience is just one of many explored in his memoir.
"This book is a legacy to my family," Borchert told the news source. "I wrote this book for them, and it turned out to be pretty interesting. I didn't write this book for the money."
Borchert recently held a book signing, where he sold 21 copies of his book, and he plans on collaborating with his friend, a messenger for the British Army on a second one next year.
"She doesn't tell many people about it, but we talk about it," he told the news source.
War stories
Sharing these experiences not only helps preserve history, but it can also help improve life after service. Writing is an art form that can be therapeutic for those who practice it, and that's the concept behind the Veterans Writing Project. Led by veterans for veterans, the organization helps those who have served perfect the art form and best express themselves. Leaders hold master's degrees in writing, but those who participate don't need to have any previous experience with the craft.
The program provides veterans with no-cost writing seminars and an outlet for them to tell stories and bond with one another. It's funded by sponsors and donations that make the service available at no cost to those who have served. Those interested in helping the organization can either make a direct donation or just register for the Amazon Smiles program, which supports the service at no personal cost. For each purchase that's made through the program, a portion is given to the Veterans Writing Project.