Arkansas has a significant veteran population, with around 200,000 veterans residing in the state. The Veterans History Project (VHP), an initiative by the Library of Congress, aims to collect and preserve firsthand accounts from servicemembers. U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) is actively promoting this project in Arkansas.
Boozman shared his personal connection to the military through his father’s service as a Master Sergeant in the Air Force. He noted that many veterans are reluctant to share their experiences, which makes projects like VHP essential for preserving these important stories.
His office recently organized two Veterans History Project Interview Days and Community Trainings at the Fayetteville Public Library and Jacksonville Museum of Military History. Nine veterans participated, sharing stories from different branches and eras of service. These interviews are now part of the permanent collection.
The events included training sessions led by Library of Congress staff, teaching participants how to conduct and submit interviews using simple tools like a phone and quiet space. The community showed strong interest, with participation from various local organizations.
Senator Boozman’s team has been involved with VHP for years, having trained over 1,200 Arkansans and conducted more than 100 interviews themselves. He encourages other veterans or interested parties to contact his office for involvement in future projects.
For more information about participating in or hosting a Veterans History Project event, visit Senator Boozman’s website or the Library of Congress’s website.
