Book Launch Day — and Why I’m Still Proud

Today is the official launch day for my book, Fort Custer in the World Wars. It’s hard to put into words what this moment means. After years of research, writing, editing, and reviewing hundreds of photographs, the book is finally out in the world. It’s real. It’s here.

This isn’t just a collection of images and facts, it’s a tribute. To the soldiers who trained at Fort Custer. To the medical staff who cared for the wounded. To the prisoners of war who lived and worked on the grounds. And to the community that grew around it. Preserving this history matters, and I’m honored to be a small part of it.

While the day didn’t unfold quite the way I imagined, I’m still celebrating because I believe in the power of telling these stories. I’m grateful to my husband Kirk for standing beside me through every page, to the Fort Custer Historical Society for their support, and to the many people who’ve already purchased the book, shared kind words, or reached out.

There are appearances, presentations, and book talks to come, but today, I’m pausing to appreciate what’s been accomplished.

If you’d like to learn more about the book, you can find it through local bookstores, or by contacting me directly.

Thank you for walking this journey with me.