WWII veterans interview project

Filipinos who fought in World War II have many stories to tell of what happened and what they did during the war. Unfortunately, most of the articles written about them focus on how difficult their lives have been after the war. This is particularly true of those who migrated to the US who until now are waiting for recognition by the US government. As a result, the younger generations tend to see them as old and bitter men living in poverty in a foreign land. There is a need to interview them and get them to tell of their exploits and their acts of heroism. These can later be compiled into a book, exhibit, documentary, and website.

I will be traveling to Los Angeles in September for a short vacation and I would like to take the opportunity to interview veterans while I am there. Since my plane ticket to and from the US is already taken care of, I will need less funding support than would have otherwise been required.

The interviews will be limited to the state of California where I am in contact with Dr. Jenny Batongmalaque, Executive Director of the Filipino Veterans Foundation. My brother, Dr. Arnel Joaquin, is a member of its board and will also help facilitate the interviews. They have informed me that there are now less than 20 veterans who are still actively attending their meetings, so I will plan to interview at least 10.

The amount I am raising (US$3,000) will cover car rental, fuel, food and lodging for 10 days as I move around California, and incidentals. I will also be giving a non-cash token of appreciation to each veteran I will be interviewing.

The output for this project will be a book, exhibit, and website which will come out in 2018. This fundraising effort is intended to cover only the interview process in California; the book, exhibit, and website will require separate funding.

UPDATE: Veterans Bank has endorsed this project: