“Veterans’ Stories: Greene County, Iowa” is a compilation of oral histories of 59 veterans with ties to Greene County. The book features men and women across a wide age span. The oldest veterans served in the 1950s, while two are still serving today.
Work on Volume 2 is underway, with 25 veterans interviewed so far by Hamilton. Veterans may answer some or all of a standard list of questions, either in writing or verbally. Participants receive a free copy of the book, and also have the opportunity to buy additional books at the publisher’s price. Submissions must be accounts of living individuals who served in the military after December 7, 1941, and who live or have lived in Greene County, Iowa. Persons who want more information or to be interviewed for Volume 2 can contact Hamilton at 515-370-4799.
“Veteran’s Stories” began in January 2026 when Margaret Hamilton saw someone on television talking about oral histories of veterans, and thought something like that would be valuable here, as so many of our veterans are aging, and their stories may be lost. She talked to Janice Harbaugh of Raspberry Ridge Publishing, and she was interested and offered to donate her time and services. A veteran, Jeff Christensen, also joined in the project. The book was published in May and is available on Amazon and at the Greene County Historical Society Museum and Ope & Fable in Jefferson.
The veterans included have been overwhelmingly grateful that the project exists. Many consider it an honor to be included in these books.
