Voices of Freedom® FAQ
Stories of Service and Sacrifice
The Voices of Freedom® provides war veterans with a means to record their stories of service and sacrifice. The Mobile Recording Studio allows interviews to be conducted at convenient locations for veterans such as retirement communities, businesses, veteran’s organizations, churches and museums.Below are questions we are often asked. Please click on any question below and the answer will appear right in the page under the question.
Servicemen and servicewomen who participated in wartime operations are eligible to participate in the project. In addition to military veterans, civilians who supported wartime operations or were significantly impacted by these operations are eligible (Examples: USO, DOD, Gold Star Mothers, 9/11 survivors, WWII home front workers, etc).
A typical interview lasts 30 – 50 minutes.
Yes. The Mobile Recording Studio is handicap accessible.
We are based out of Prince William County, Virginia. We conduct the majority of our interviews in the Washington, D.C. area; however we travel to other states on the East Coast to conduct interviews as well.
In order to conduct a smooth interview only you will be present on camera during the actual filming of the video. However, a waiting area in the front of the Mobile Recording Studio is available to the family who may watch the interview on television live via wireless feed.
Business or business casual attire is suggested, although not mandatory. Also, light in color clothing is preferred as it looks better on camera when contrasted with the studio’s black background, but again, not mandatory. Hats are discouraged.
Yes. You will be provided a DVD copy if requested. Please note it may take several months before you receive your video. Select videos will also be posted on the museum’s webpage.
Please complete this biographical data form and release. If you have a photo or war trophy that helps tell your story, please bring it with you.
Veterans have also donated small mementos to the project, such as a photo of themselves in uniform or their unit patch, to display within the Mobile Recording Studio.
Veterans have also donated small mementos to the project, such as a photo of themselves in uniform or their unit patch, to display within the Mobile Recording Studio.
The interview will focus on your wartime service. Questions may include:
- Do you have any other military veterans in your family tree?
- Do you remember where you were when you heard about the event that would lead to your wartime experience? (Pearl Harbor, 9/11, Invasion of Kuwait, etc)
- Why did you enter into military service?
- Where did you enter into training? What was your military occupational specialty?
- Where exactly did you serve?
- What were your duties?
- Did you see any combat?
- How did you stay in touch with your family while you were deployed?
- What did you do to keep busy while you were in theatre? (recreation, etc)
- Are there any incidents that stand out in your mind about your service in theatre? (Frightening, humorous or exciting experiences)
- Did you receive any medals, citations or awards?
- Can you describe your homecoming?
- How has your wartime experience affected your life?
The Voices of Freedom staff consists of volunteers and part time employees who have a passion for military history and the desire to help veterans preserve their family history. The project is currently staffed by five oral historians who have a diverse background that includes the military, public safety and education. All have been conducting interviews for over a decade.
Contact us by clicking the “Contact Us” button below to set up an interview. Please include in the email your name, branch of service, war you participated in and a sentence or two about your service. (Example: John Smith, U.S. Army, WWII. Served with the 29th Infantry Division in Normandy.)
Participation is simple. Your organization reserves a location to park the 36’ Mobile Recording Studio and you assist in scheduling five wartime veterans to be interviewed. Contact us below to arrange for us to bring the RV to your event.
