Air Force Album: We Who Served Project
The Air Force Association is pleased to announce the upcoming publication of a unique document, the “Air Force Album: We Who Served”. This special publication will include recollections and photographs from living Airmen, as well as remembrances provided by family members of deceased Airmen, making this volume a comprehensive legacy to all those who served in the Air Force and its predecessor organizations.
Scheduled for release in September, this hardcover, limited edition book will feature hundreds of photographs—many in color. It will include “The Rise of an Air Force,” a 100-page chronology, in words and pictures, of the development of the nation’s air arm from Kitty Hawk in 1903 to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan today. This unique feature has been prepared by the editors and staff of AIR FORCE Magazine.
AFA has contracted with Harris Connect of Chesapeake, VA, to gather the information from participants and publish the “Air Force Album”. Harris has more than 40 years experience developing directories as well as expertise in data collection and publishing.
Sample Pages from "The Air Force Album: We Who Served"
Who Should Participate?
Eligibility for participation in the “Air Force Album” includes those who served in the United States Air Force (active duty, Guard and Reserves) and/or its predecessor organizations in the Army—the Aviation Section, Aeronautical Division, Air Service, Air Corps, and Army Air Forces (including WASPs). Members of the USAF Auxiliary, the Civil Air Patrol, are also eligible.
Family members are invited -- and encouraged -- to include the stories of their loved ones who served.
What is the Process?
If you or your loved one is eligible to be included, we encourage you to call 1-800-473-8177 before
June 8, 2009 to be included in this historical publication. No calls will be accepted for this project after June 8. The albums will be printed and shipped to purchasers with expected delivery in November 2009.
When you call, Harris Connect representatives will gather (or confirm) the following information from you:
- Rank, Name, Suffix
- Complete Mailing Address
- Telephone Number
- E-mail address
- Branches and years of service (e.g. USAAF 1943-1947; USAF 1947-1963).
- Up to 5 service awards received
- Conflicts served in
Then, we will give you a website (or send you a form) to write your personal narrative in your own words. There is no guideline, just a limit of 300 words. Write anything you want to say about your military service. You may want to give your basic bio, write about your most remarkable event, your fondest memory, advice to those currently serving – it’s completely up to you! You can mail in or upload to the site up to two photographs with captions that will be included in the book’s (and CD-ROM’s) photo gallery.
The book will include your name, city/state, branches and years of service, conflicts served in, and personal narrative and photos. The accompanying CD-ROM will have full contact information if you choose (name, address, telephone # and e-mail address), as well as the top awards you choose to mention. If you do not want to make this contact information available, be sure to tell the Harris representative!
What Does it Cost?
The publisher, Harris Connect, is paying all the costs associated with this project, so they are, of course, hopeful you’ll buy a copy. However, there is no cost to participate! We want to allow for inclusion of all Airmen. We also want to include tributes from any family member of a deceased airman who is interested in sharing their memories.
You will be given the opportunity to purchase the album when you call in. Harris will only publish as many copies as are pre-ordered, so be sure to let Harris know if you’re buying a copy. You may pay in full with a credit card, half now and half later, or ask to be billed. Prices are as follows:
- Hardcover Air Force Album with CD-Rom - $89.99 + $14.95 S&H
- Softcover Air Force Album with CD-Rom - $79.99 + $14.95 S&H
- Tribute Print (11”x14” Air Force Memorial Print with your listing printed on it) - $19.99 + $3.95 S&H
View a sample
of "Tribute Print"
We hope you’ll participate and share your stories and memories.
