This is the fourth entry in my series of posts about getting a military veteran's experience into the US Library of Congress. In part 1, I wrote about getting ready for an interview with a vet for this project (which I did for my hubby, a peacetime vet of the US Army). In part 2, I wrote about planning questions and practicing the interview with your vet. In part 3, I wrote about audio or video interviewing and recording one with your vet. My hubby's interview lasted 54 minutes, well within the parameters set by the LOC (minimum of 30 minutes).
This post is about the required paperwork that must accompany submission of an interview (or submission of photos/memoirs) for this LOC project.
Bio form: military time and more
Above, an excerpt from the top of the LOC's Biographical Data Form. You can download this and other paperwork from the LOC Veterans History Project page.
The bio form focuses mainly on the vet's military time: branch of service, unit(s), where served, rank(s), battles if any, awards if any, special achievements, and more. I had most of this from hubby's DD214, and other discharge papers, and I covered nearly all of this ground during our interview. The info was at hand for me to complete the form. (I could also have filled out the form before--the choice is yours, whichever method works for you and your vet.) I also noted that hubby was in the military during peacetime, not during any war or conflict.
You may find more detail in other family documents. I was careful when writing out this form because my hubby the vet will be represented in the prestigious Library of Congress. The next generation is already impressed that his military experience will be part of this institution.
Other required documents
The cover letter is important because it highlights exactly what you will be submitting and it serves as a checklist to be sure you don't inadvertently skip anything. The LOC will not accept an incomplete submission. Every detail counts.
In addition to the bio data form, I had my hubby sign the veteran's release form pertaining to his interview participation. I had to sign the interviewer's release form and the two recording operators who volunteered for audio and video work had to sign releases as well.
Video or audio log?
I completed the AV Recording Log. Although I could have transcribed the nearly hourlong interview, I opted instead to take notes on the important points and where in the interview they were (minutes and seconds from the start). Two examples:
- 15:10 - Symbolism of shoulder patches (hubby explained the unit's name and where/when he received each patch, which we brought as props)
- 25:38 - R & R in Japan (which sparked hubby's lifelong love of all things Japanese)
