War Bonds

Every 3 minutes we lose a precious piece of history

June 4, 2015June 4, 2015 Cindy Hval

Approximately every three minutes a memory of World War II – its sights and sounds, its terrors and triumphs – disappears.

According to statistics released by the Veteran’s Administration, our World War II vets are dying at a rate of approximately 492 a day. This means there are approximately only 855,070 veterans remaining of the 16 million who served our nation in World War II.

In writing War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation, I was able to preserve the stories of 36 couples– their memories of the war and their reflections on building a lasting love in its aftermath.

Thirty six stories.

A drop in the bucket.

It’s the untold stories that haunt me.

War Bonds

War Bonds on Northwest Profiles: Watch Now!

May 29, 2015May 29, 2015 Cindy Hval

I’m really happy with the work Bob Lawrence and Bill Fitzner did on this segment of Northwest Profiles featuring War Bonds couples Harold and Shirley Tucker and Myrt and Walt Powers.

It’s so wonderful to have video of these special people and to be able to have them share snippets of their stories in their own words.

Click here to see the segment. http://video.ksps.org/video/2365498944/

PS: The War Bonds book giveway sponsored by Spokane Talks Online, is still going on. Enter to win here!

War Bonds

Win a copy of War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation

May 27, 2015 Cindy Hval

Spokane Talks Online is offering a copy of War Bonds in their latest give away!

Simply like the post below on their Facebook page and enter to win.

Local author of the book—”War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation”—Cindy Hval, was a guest on our show, and we are giving away her book for free! Follow instructions below to enter, and check out Cindy’s recording on Business Talks at SpokaneTalksOnline.com

1. Like this post
2. Confirm your entry here (won’t ask for any information, just to agree to rules & confirm: http://tab.fo/wsvcvqz (+ see rules)

For official rules click on the link above.

War Bonds

What Memorial Day Really Means

May 25, 2015 Cindy Hval

For our family Memorial Day has always meant more than a three-day weekend. The holiday used to be called Decoration Day and that’s what we still honor. We deocrate the graves of my father and father-in-law and pause to remember those who gave their lives in service to their country.

Of the men I interviewed for this 2007 story, only two remain.
I’m forever grateful for being able to share their stories.
“We all lost friends at Pearl Harbor,” Daves said. “We don’t need Memorial Day. We remember our friends – every day.”
For those who have no graves to visit– who don’t have family members who served their country- please tell your children what this day really means and allow yourself to be grateful for those who paid the price for your three-day weekend.

War Bonds

Stay Tuned: War Bonds to be featured on Northwest Profiles

May 19, 2015 Cindy Hval

So thrilled that two of the couples featured in War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation will appear in a segment of “Northwest Profiles” a program on KSPS TV.

Here are Harold and Shirley Tucker being interviewed by producer Bob Lawrence. The Tucker’s chapter is titled “Romance on Wheels.”

Have to admit I teared up when Harold said, “We love each other now more than ever.”

Bob Lawrence made sure to get their autographs!

Then it was out to Cheney where Myrt and Walt Powers were interviewed. They have a unique story “The Marine and the Sailor.” Myrt was the Marine. Or is the Marine. As she said, “There are no ‘former’ Marines.”

This six-minute segment will air at 7 PM on Thursday May 28th on KSPS TV. The stations coverage area includes Western Montana to Central Washington and from Oregon north to Central Alberta.

Hope you’ll all tune in to hear and see these amazing people. You’ll be glad you did!

War Bonds

A city that appreciates military service

May 14, 2015 Cindy Hval

. The Spokane Lilac Festival has established a long-held tradition of celebrating local military personnel as well as law enforcement, firefighters and teachers at their annual All City Civic Military Luncheon.

It was such an privilege to be invited to be their guest speaker and to share about War Bonds at the event.

Like the members of the Greatest Generation, the men and women recognized today, understand courage, committment and sacrifice. What better way to honor Greatest Generation than to continue to build on the foundation they laid for us?

So proud that Spokane continues to be a city where military service is recognized and applauded.

War Bonds

Catching up with a sailor who became a preacher

May 13, 2015 Cindy Hval

I had a wonderful time catching up with James and Helen Loer, today.

Their story is featured in Chapter 7, “From Sailor to Preacher.” I hadn’t seen the Loers since I interviewed them for the book, four years ago. I’m happy to report they are still married, though James assured me during the interview, “I can tell you right now this isn’t going to be romantic!”

The Loers celebrated 67th anniversary in January.

War Bonds

War Bonds in Walla Walla

May 8, 2015 Cindy Hval

Tomorrow I’ll be signing copies of War Bonds at the Book & Game Company in Walla Walla, Washington.

Famed for it’s wineries, downtown Walla Walla has a great shopping district. And if you haven’t bought your mom, wife or grandmother a Mother’s Day gift yet, come in and see me and get a signed copy of War Bonds 🙂

There’s more information in this write up from the Walla Walla Union Bulletin.

War Bonds

This student deserves extra credit!

May 6, 2015 Cindy Hval

Christy Woolum, who teaches school in the Inchelium school district in Washington, sent this photo of student, Nathan Loer, reading War Bonds: Love Stories from the Greatest Generation.

She writes, “I think this student deserves extra credit for reading your book in class.He proudly showed off the story about his great- grandparents.”

I absolutely agree!

One of the reason’s I’m so passionate about this book is evidenced in this photo. Younger generations need to know about the sacrifices and struggles their grandparents and great grandparents endured during and after World War II.

Though not geared toward young readers, War Bonds is certainly appropriate for them to read. If it’s not in you school library, don’t you think it should be?

War Bonds

On being a bestseller

May 4, 2015 Cindy Hval

The old real estate adage, “location, location, location,” came to mind Saturday when my book signing table was placed next to the Bestsellers table.

It was my first signing at a Hastings store. I have several more scheduled and I hope the other stores place me this close to the Bestsellers. It’s fun to dream about War Bonds showing up on that table!