Veterans Story Sharing Project

Extreme Weather Survivors (EWS) is launching a storytelling initiative to preserve veterans’ experiences in disaster response, humanitarian missions, and disaster recovery, with eligible stories submitted to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

Who Can Participate?

Any honorably discharged U.S. veteran is eligible:

  • Any branch, any rank

  • Service from WWI to present

  • Must be honorably discharged and no longer actively serving

  • Veterans who served in disaster response, humanitarian missions, peacekeeping operations, or support/logistics roles

  • Veterans who have personally experienced the impacts of natural disasters or extreme weather events (please note: personal disaster experiences outside of military service may not be eligible for inclusion in the Library of Congress collection; however, these stories may still be shared through other media platforms if desired)

What Does EWS Need from You?

  •  30 minute  - 1 hr recorded interview with an EWS team member

  •  Signed consent forms (provided by EWS)

  •  Basic biographical information (name, service dates, branch)

Required:

Photos from your service, letters or journal, written memoirs or documents related to your service

Optional but Valued:

What Will We Ask You About?

EWS will focus our interview on:

  • Your military service experience

  • Deployment stories (especially disaster response or humanitarian missions)

  • How extreme weather or disasters impacted your service or personal life

  • Reflections on your service and its meaning

What About Classified Information?

EWS understands privacy & concerns related to sensitive information. Let us guide you through sharing your story safely. We will:

  •  Review sensitive information boundaries before recording

  •  Help you navigate what can be shared publicly

  •  Never include Social Security numbers, classified details, or private information

What Happens to Your Story?

  1.  EWS records your interview 

  2. EWS handles all paperwork and submission requirements

  3. Your story joins the Library of Congress permanent national archive (if eligible)

  4. EWS keeps copies to support our veteran focused disaster preparedness work

How Will EWS Use Video Interviews?

EWS may use these videos—always with the survivor’s consent and comfort level—to: support other survivors, educate the public, share monthly clips from veteran survivor stories, raise awareness, pursue advocacy and media opportunities (if the survivor is interested), and inform preparedness efforts.

What’s the Time Commitment?

  •  One interview session: 30 - 60 minutes

  •  Pre-interview consultation: 15 - 30 minutes

  •  EWS handles everything else  paperwork, forms, and submission

Why Should You Participate?

  • Preserve your legacy as part of America's historical record

  • Help others learn from your experiences

  • Support the mission to better serve veterans in disaster preparedness and response

  • Honor your service by ensuring it's remembered

Ready to Share Your Story?

Your service matters.

Your story matters.

Your voice matters.

Let us help preserve it for future generations.

Extreme Weather Survivors is committed to supporting veterans through disaster preparedness, response, and recovery while honoring their stories that helped shape our nation.