The VA New Jersey Health Care System (VANJHCS) Lyons Campus, in partnership with the Library of Congress (LOC), is doing its part to preserve the history of our nation's veterans. Volunteers for The Veterans History Project, signed by the U.S. Congress into law in 2000, collect and preserve the memories, accounts and documents of war veterans' experiences and service for future generations. Four volunteers have interviewed 129 veterans since partnering with the LOC in 2002.

In 2003, the VANJHCS joined the Digital Club-house Network, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes and empowers young people to use technology to promote service and build stronger communities, in the Stories of Service Project. The Stories of Service Project involves creating a five-minute digital movie documenting a veteran's life experiences using photographs, graphics and music along with the veteran's own voice.

Currently, 36 youth volunteers are in the Stories of Service Project from the following high schools: Bridgewater, Raritan, Edison, Hunterdon Regional, Millburn, Morristown Beard, New Providence, Newark Academy, North Brunswick, North Hunterdon, Oratory Preparatory, Randolph, Ridge and Watchung Hills Regional. In addition, students from Herbert Hoover Middle School and William Annin Middle School are participating. Adult volunteers mentor the students with the storytelling and computer skills they need to complete the movie. The youth volunteers have finished 20 documentaries and have 22 others in production.

Once completed, the veterans' histories are included in the LOC/American Folklife Center National Veterans History Collection. Those who've been interviewed are listed on the American Folklife Center's National Registry of Service, located on the LOC Web site at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

The VANJHCS thanks the veterans who've shared their life experiences as well as all who participate in the Veterans History and Stories of Service projects.

For additional information about The Veterans History Project, Stories of Service Project or the VANJHCS volunteer program, contact the Volunteer Department at (908) 604-5814.

Saluting Hospitalized Veterans U.S. Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) visited the Lyons Campus on Valentine's Day for the annual National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. He also enjoyed visiting with the Foxhole Café staff, who added a "Congressional Special" to the menu. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on May 8. Pictured from left are Frederick Ohlweiler, Café Manager; Congressman Frelinghuysen; Gerald Gaynor, Café Chef; and Kenneth Mizrach, VA New Jersey Director.