• We are looking for stories from anyone who has had a relationship with someone who has either been wounded or has died as a direct result of the War on Terror. Everyone has a different perspective and is affected in different ways, so we want to hear from moms and dads, grandparents, siblings, aunt and uncles, friends and co-workers, and the wounded soldiers themselves. 

• Rather than write about your whole experience, we prefer that you choose one specific subject to write about.  You can write about anything you choose, but we have made some suggestions at the bottom of this page.  However, do not be restricted by these ideas!.

• All submissions should be typed and double spaced. They must be original and not under any copyright restrictions. 

• Please include a brief description of your loved one, so that we may honor him/her by including this with your story.

• If you would like to send a picture of your loved one, we would love to post it on this website in the Heroes section. We will try to publish photos in the book itself, but make no promises as we may be bound by publishing restrictions regarding photos. Please retain a copy of your photos and your essay, as they cannot be returned.

• All stories will be reviewed by Mary and Holly and edited as necessary. It will be their sole discretion as to which stories or essays are accepted for publication. Before publication on the website, your story will be sent back to you for your review.

• This book is meant to be a tribute to those who have sacrificed for us, and offer comfort and hope to those who will find themselves on this same journey.It will in NO way be a political statement, one way or the other. Essays that make a political statement of any kind will not be accepted.

• If you have a story to share, but cannot find the words, please contact us.  Holly or Mary will be happy to interview you and assist in translating your story.

• You may submit your story by email (preferred), as a Microsoft Word document or a PDF file.

• You may also fax it or send by regular mail.  All contact information is on the Contact Page.

• As the majority of any proceeds from the sale of the book are to be donated (see our Home Page), we regret that we will be unable to offer compensation for your stories.

• Do not be afraid to use humor in your essay if it is appropriate.  Sometimes humor can heal the soul.

• Important: Remember to send a signed Release with your story. The Release form can be found on the Release Page of this website.  If emailing your story, please save the Release form as a document and attach it to your submission.  If faxing or sending by regular mail, you may print out a hard copy and mail it along with your story.

How did you handle the subsequent days/months/years?

How did you handle practical matters, such as obtaining personal effects or such mundane things as accessing bank accounts?

How did you handle the various firsts?  Birthday, anniversary, holiday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day?

Did you return to work?  When?  Would you do the same thing again?

What was the hardest for you?    

What helped you the most?