ED LINCOLN
REED SANTA What Needs to Be Heard
Anderson’s boss connected with the Auxiliary and McCarville at a fundraiser for the homeless shelter and learned that both women had the same passion. Their fi rst interview was in April 2010 — make that six interviews in one day — and they haven’t touched the brakes yet. Starting with Ozanam, volunteers helped spread the word about the opportunity and the women’s thoughtful, respectful approach. Three Native American volunteers who were particularly guarded about participating incorporated a tribal blessing ritual with singing and drums prior to the recording. Some veterans simply are
not ready to verbalize their experiences, Anderson said. Slowly, one by one, Comrades from their own Post have been signing on, she said. “You have to go on their timetable — and when
they’re ready, you go with it.” There’s no expectation of a formal performance. “‘It’s a conversation,’” she tells them. “‘Go slow. Speak clearly. We’ve got all the time in the world.’” Questions abound to prime the pump of memories. Soldiers, sailors, pilots, offi cers and POWs can talk about everything from fi refi ghts to how their family lives were affected to what it was like coming back home. Whether the recordings last 20 minutes or 90 minutes, they are always revealing. “The intention is catharsis for the veteran but also for the family to understand what the veteran went through,” said Anderson. After McCarville conducts the
interview, Anderson transcribes every word for print and digs in to hours of research to defi ne terms and fl ush out details. For her footnotes, she’ll comb through
MARCH 2012 27
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36