You Have a Story

"Major Wilton's quarters." 

My mom and sister and I answered the phone that way during the early days of my growing up.  My brother was a baby and doesn't remember those times, but living as a military family affected all of us, even after my dad retired with 22 years in the Army.

One assignment my dad never got was the one that would send him to Vietnam.  I was in fourth grade, and I remember him being disappointed that he was not chosen. 

That memory has stayed with me and has let me see two sides of going to war - that of a proud American who wanted to fight for his country, and that of a proud daughter of such a man, feeling lucky to have possibly had him in my life a while longer since he didn't go.

Charles Dills charmed his way into my life as I stood in line in the cafeteria at the hospital where I work as a medical transcriptionist.  Little did I know that day that You Have a Story was taking shape.

Charles was a fighter pilot in World War II, flying 94 missions.  He had a preference for P-51s, but he flew other airplanes as as well, as part of the 27th Fighter Bomber Group.  

In an effort to document history, Charles had been working on stories of his fellow pilots and and his own.  He had many hours of conversations that needed to be transcribed.  His ultimate goal was to send the stories to the Veterans History Project in the Library of Congress.

In my work with Charles, I quickly realized that I wanted to learn more about men and women who have served our country.  I wanted to do something to help get their stories known.

I hope my work with You Have a Story can help in some small way towards that end.

Charles and his wife Sauny have welcomed me into their lives as if I were a long lost family member.  In the days to come, you will be able to read more about them in these pages of You Have a Story.

Veterans will always receive a discount on You Have a Story services.

Members of Wounded Warrior Project will always receive You Have a Story services totally free of charge.  It is my honor and the very least I can do to show my apprecaition for all you have done.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me anytime at You Have a Story.