Subject:	Document on http://www.traces.org/mildredharnackfish.html about the execution of my uncle by the Nazis
Name:	Hasso von Boehmer, MD
Email:	Hasso.von.Boehmer@gmx.de
Date:	4 August 2006
when I was searching for material for our family`s website www.von-boehmer.net I found http://www.traces.org/mildredharnackfish.html. To my surprise this page of your website www.traces.org displays a facsimile of the letter which in March 08, 1945 had been sent by the Nazi "Volksgerichtshof" (People`s Court) to my father, Thilo von Boehmer, telling him that his brother Hasso von Boehmer (from whom I have my prename) had been executed some days earlier. Added to this facsimile is a text which says: "Like other survivors, the widow of Hasso von Boehmer (...) tried in vain to learn of the circumstances of her husband`s death after the war." However, Kaethe von Boehmer, the widow, had fled from Eastern Germany via Berlin to Southwestern Germany at the end of Jan. 1945, but she had remained in close connection to Thilo von Boehmer (my father and the brother of his husband), who remained in Berlin until after the death of Hasso. In addition, from Ellinor von Boehmer, who lived until 1953 and was the mother of Hasso, our family has a written report about the last days of Hasso, mostly with material by his lawyer Mr. H. Boden and by another convict, Hans Carl Graf Hardenberg. So I have 2 questions: Wherefrom did you get the information about my uncle Hasso von Boehmer and his widow ? Wherefrom did you get the facsimile of the letter to my father from March 08, 1945 ? Thank you for your answer - Hasso von Boehmer

Subject:	WWII German POWs in North Carolina
Name:	Laura Carter
Email:	steiffbearlover@yahoo.com
Date:	24 July 2006
I'm doing research into WWII German POWs in North Carolina, and I stumbled on your site.  I'm having a bit of a hard time finding sources online and wondered if you  would have suggestions as to where I could begin looking.  Unfortunately, for some reason, the NC Museum of History doesn't have anything! I know you're in the Midwest but I surmised that you would be in contact with other similar projects or sources of information throughout the country. Many thanks in advance for any help you can give! Laura Carter

Subject:	names of pow that worked for my dad
Name:	Fred Von Ruden
Email:	vonruden@hickorytech.net
Date:	17 Jul 2006
I remember back in the middle 40's when my dad used pow from a camp in Owatonna, MN. Do you know if there are records where I could research for names of pow that worked for my dad? I remember them working at our farm but I was about 6 years old at the time. Fred

Subject:	Our first visit to TRACES museum
Name:	Faye Sahr
Email:	fayesahr@pointoffrance.com
Date:	9 April 2006
This was our first visit to TRACES' museum, which we had never heard of but learned about when we were at Landmark Center for another event yesterday and noted it.  The museum is extraordinarily moving and dismaying. My husband was in the Battle of the Bulge and knew people who were POWs; he was also at Camp McCoy after the war.  For me it was, once again, the realization of the horrors of war on all peoples, the 'good' and the 'bad'--and, the criminality of anyone who would start a war.  The exhibit is hard and stays with one, but is so necessary as a teaching tool, if anyone listens and looks. Thank you, Faye Sahr

Subject:	Holocaust report help
Name:	William Velge
Email:	occallifornia@yahoo.com
Date:	26 February 2006
I really enjoy your site.  It helped me with the Vietnam report I did. Now I’m working on a report about the holocaust. I’m looking to find what or why the Jews were so badly hated? What was the result of the holocaust? Why Hitler? If you know were to look or a way to point me in the right direction ill appreciate it. William Velge

Subject:	Quaker Hill
Name:	Cyle Olson
Email:	cyle_olson@hotmail.com
Date:	26 February 2006
Hello, My name is Cyle Olson and I'm currently doing a school project for the Traces Organization, as you read down below I was referenced by Michael  Luick-Thrams in hoping that you have some High Quality (300- 600ppi)  photographs in Quaker Hill section (Carolyn Pickett, Leonard Kenworthy, Nancy Parker - Gertrude McCoy, and the Quaker Hill Conference Center) I believe that you have some digital copies of the Picketts. If you do, could you please send my any of those photographs and any other ones that could pertain to this section. It would be greatly appreciated. Cyle Olson

Subject:	WCCO radio's Big Al
Name:	William D. Johnson
Email:	WJohnson@faegre.com
Date:	21 February 2006
Thank you for lighting up the nocturnal air waves with WCCO radio's Big Al last night!   Incontrovertibly the most captivating and erudite programming Mr. Mahlmberg has offered up in a long spell.  Your endeavors are remarkable, and, as a native Iowa "townie,'" I appreciate the revelations as to what transpired "backstage" or "between the corn rows" in the Big War years.  My father was a merchant marine seaman in the War (U.S.S. Ticonderoga) and I regret to this day that I never had the opportunity to probe the era with him; he was very bright but didn't share much in that realm.  I am left with his Seaman's Log wallet, passport, inscribed MM ring, misc. photos and documents stuffed therein; I treasure these of course. Thanks again.  Keep up the commendable work and my compliments on the informative website.  When is the movie coming out (TRACES)?   Wm.D.(Bill) Johnson FAEGRE & BENSON LLP 2200 Wells Fargo Center 90 South Seventh Street Minneapolis MN 55402-3901 P.(612) 766-7422 F.(612) 766-1600

Subject:	Photos of Dad's stuff
Name:	Chris Sand
Email:	chriss@pffwillmar.org
Date:	20 February 2006
I feel you've done a good job getting the info out about WWII POWs and am pleased to know that in a few months, some of my Dad's stuff will be part of that history for all to see.  I plan to come back when you have finished with taking the photos of Dad's stuff, etc.  So, I'll await your email telling me this and then I will come!  I'm surprised at how I miss having Dad's stuff at my home to look at and refer to as I continue with my research.  But you don't need to hurry on it---it takes time to do things well!  This I know.  I have found a pot-or-gold since we were there.  One of the guys in my Dad's room at Stalag IV sent me his story!  He lists all his "buddies" in the story and my Dad is in there!!!   I've sent copies of this to all my siblings and they cried.  Anyway--I'll hopefully see you this spring, whenever you're done then. Best Regards, Chris Sand

Subject:	POWs that would have been held in the Harlem Montana
Name:	Perry J. Tangen
Email:	Perry.Tangen@ngb.army.mil
Date:	2 February 2006
Greetings,                 I am seeking information on POWs that would have been held in the Harlem Montana area during WWII. My family is from Harlem , where we operated a small farm. My mother told me of the POWs that would come out to the farm and work there. Can you tell me where I can find documentation or obtain any info on the matter? You can reach me on my cell phone  (971) 563-1726 or return any insights you have to this email address.   Thank You Perry J. Tangen MAJ, IN NGB-ARO-C

Subject:	Broadcasting Award
Name:	David Stoeger
Email:	DStoeger@nrgbroadcast.com
Date:	27 January 2006
I would like to inform you that a news story we broadcast here at the Reedsburg radio stations when the "Behind Barbed Wire" bus came to town in May of last year won an award. The story was winner for Best Feature in Small market radio for 2005 by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association. The story featured sound clips from Director Michael Luick-Thrams, along with the thoughts of numerous individuals after they got to see inside the bus. Thank You David Stoeger News Director     WRDB - WNFM Reedsburg/WI

Subject:	Internee
Name:	Alfred Wohlpart
Email:	a.p.wohlpart@comcast.net
Date:	18 January 2006
I understand from Stephen Fox that you are engaged in a project concerning german internment camps. I was interned with my family in Crystal City before being repatriated to Germany. any information yoiu provide will be appreciated. Alfred Wohlpart

Subject:	Looking for The Red Orchestra and Mildred Harnack information
Name:	Mandy Kissinger
Email:	dance29@charter.net
Date:	15 January 2006
I am and eighth-grade student at D.C. Everest Junior High in Schofield , Wisconsin , and I am writing to request information for a school project.              My social studies and English classes are involved in a large research project called “History Day.”  Each year this project follows a different theme that is set by the National History Day office, and for the 2005-2006 school years our theme is “Taking a Stand in History.”  I am researching a group called The Red Orchestra and Mildred Harnack.  For this project we are required to research the impact, influence, and change it brought to the world.            I am writing to ask if you would be able to send me any pictures, poems, 3-D objects, and any other information about Mildred Harnack and The Red Orchestra.  I would use these items on my exhibit.              Any information you can send me would be very helpful.  I appreciate your time and assistance.  My address is listed below, my home telephone number is 715-355-7115, and my e-mail address is dance29@charter.net. Thank you. Mandy Kissinger 1895 Lea Road Mosinee, WI 54455

Subject:	Looking for D-Day and WWII documents
Name:	Nick Schiltz
Email:	lschiltz@smig.net
Date:	15 January 2006
My name is Nick and I am a World War 2 historian at age 14. (No lie). I was recently referred by a World War 2 veteran who said that you had a large collection of World War 2 documents and artifacts. Well, that got me thinking, would you have anything about D-Day?     I saw your site and looked for some things and skimmed through. This information I'm looking to gather is for a National History Day project that occurs in Iowa every year with the top entry's going to state and then, (hopefully), nationals in Maryland.     Since you also have stuff about Germany and "stuff" before the dramatic events of World War 2 in Western Europe, would you have anything about Raoul Wallenberg? He had saved thousands of Jews from murder and torture but was never seen after Soviet tanks entered his hometown. Also Jimmy Dolittle..."Dolittle's Raid"...? Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you, Nick

Subject:
Name:	Dena Wortzel
Email:	dwortzel@wisc.edu
Date:	19 August 2005
Dear Michael, I just had the great pleasure of reading your “Wisconsin BUS-eum Tour Journal.” I can’t remember ever having so much fun reading a final report. Wisconsin clearly got quite a show (despite some inhospitable weather), and I have no doubt that your warmth and passion were a large part of what helped so many thousands of people learn about and reflect upon a vitally important piece of our past. Thank you so much for doing this wonderful work. All the best, Dena Dena Wortzel Associate Director http://wisconsinhumanities.org Wisconsin Humanities Council 222 S. Bedford St., Suite F Madison, WI 53703 (608) 262-0706

Subject:	Request for BUS-eum
Name:	Kerri Canepa
Email:	kacanepa@verizon.net
Date:	16 August 2005
Hi! My name is Kerri Canepa and I'm the director of the Wyocena Public Library. The library just opened in January so we're still feeling our way and figuring out just what sort of services we can provide for our community! A friend of mine, Nancy Ashmore who directs the Prairie du Chien, WI library, told me how popular the BUSeum was when it came to her town. Wyocena has a number of residents who were affected in some way by WW II who I believe would be interested in seeing the BUS-eum displays. The Friends of the Wyocena Public Library think there would be a number of people who would be VERY interested and encouraged me to contact you. The big veteran recognition day in Wyocena is Memorial Day. The village has a parade with a short riverside memorial service to honor local veterans. Afterwards is a community potluck in the Community Center. What an interesting and educational opportunity for this community! Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you soon! Kerri Canepa Director, Wyocena Public Library 165 E. Dodge Street, PO Box 913 Wyocena, WI 53969 608-429-4899

Subject:	About Sol's death
Name:	Leann Kurey
Email:	leannkurey@yahoo.com
Date:	24 May 2005
Dear Michael, what a whirlwind time we’ve had since your bus visit! It’s freaky that you predicted it: Sol continued moaning, not eating or drinking after your visit. Friday the 13’th we went to the doctor. It’s the same doctor who every visit has been so upbeat about Sol, but not this time. He examined how the tumor on Sol’s ear had progressed and said, “Leann, this has to be painful and you need to start hospice.” He said Sol probably had about 6 months. I think that was all Sol needed to hear. Unusual for Sol, he sobbed that evening. Coincidently, without us telling any of his good friends the news, they each stopped by to see him over the next couple days. Sunday night Sol was having so much pain, for the first time we had to give him morphine. The doctor said the tumor was going into Sol’s brain. My sister Jane disagreed with what the doctor and I had decided--to take him off of his blood pressure pills and blood thinners and to start hospice. So, Monday evening hospice admitted Sol. Again, Monday night was painful so Sol needed more morphine. Tuesday, the hospice case worker came, along with the rabbi we had met previously through hospice for my mom. Sol again had significantly changed from the day before. The rabbi seemed to make Sol relax with his blessings, along with Sol’s 94 year old sister--who drove her self over! Wed. morning you could see this was probably going to be it. In 5 days Sol was doing what the doctor thought would be 6 months. He had had enough and wasn’t going to suffer through more. We had a wonderful hospice nurse--an American Indian guy who was so good with all of this. He kept making Sol morphine cocktails. He couldn’t believe little Sol hadn’t gone into a coma with all he gave him--but Sol stayed right there with us. The nurse had to leave at 1:30 pm and said it would probably be another 6 hours. Before he left, Jane asked him to come into another room to talk. Our baby brother Paul--who Sol adored--came just then. Nick, Sol’s strong grandson, was holding one hand. Paul was holding Sol’s other hand for about 90 seconds. Then Nick said, “Aunt Leann, I think Grandpa stopped breathing.” I got the nurse, who couldn’t believe it. He said “He was fine a moment ago.” Sol waited for Jane to leave and Paul to come in. It was truly Sol’s way of doing things--his own way! We had a beautiful funeral. The funeral home 2 blocks away held it--their first Jewish funeral. All attending were Christians, except for a few remaining relatives. The rabbi did an excellent job. The POWs talked for a few moments about Sol’s humor. My 15 year old wrote the eulogy. Nick wanted to read it. He got through one third of it, and couldn’t finish. Ben, the 15 year old stood up, and amazed everybody at his ability to finish. Grandpa Sol couldn’t have been more proud of everybody I believe. The military played taps and gave him a gun salute. It was so touching. So I’m glad you e-mailed, as everybody has been asking if I e-mailed you yet. The burial was yesterday and today I am exhausted. It’s been quite a busy time since Mother’s Day! I believe everybody, you included, should be very proud of what we were able to do for Sol. He was taken great care of and didn’t linger in pain. Hopefully, he felt some closure with your BUS-eum, also. Thanks again; sincerely, Leann Kurey

Subject:	father was Jewish POW in Krems, Austria
Name:	Leann
Email:	leannkurey@yahoo.com
Date:	4 May 2005
Dear Michael, I just read in the Germantown (Wisconsin) local newspaper about your upcoming trip to our middle school and library. I’m so excited about, it as my father was a POW in WWII in Krems, Austria and my son in a 7th grader at the middle school. Is your bus handicap accessible as my dad is in a small wheelchair? I don’t know how we’d get him to either of your locations as he is mainly housebound. Are you looking for somewhere to park between Milwaukee and Germantown? I read where you sleep in the bus. If it worked with your schedule to park in his driveway, he’s on the way from Milwaukee to Germantown and he’s within a mile of the expressway. That would be so great if it worked as then we could wheel him through that evening or the next morning. Thanks for taking the time to read this and drive the bus around the country! It’s very worthwhile for this generation to see and appreciate. My dad has a book written about his B-17 crew called The Dying Breed which includes their time in POW camps. My dad is also Jewish, so it was especially an interesting time for him, which he never told us much about until he joined a POW group and the book was written. I will see you either way when you come to Germantown! Sincerely, Leann Korey

Subject:	racism in reverse
Name:	Harvey Smith
Email:	harveysmithus@yahoo.com
Date:	3 May 2005
I was very glad to see someone did some research on the subject. US schools only show Japanese in camps. That is actually a kind of weird racism itself! Harvey Smith

Subject:	mother was at Salzwedel concentration camp
Name:	Heshy
Email:	zhg@juno.com
Date:	14 April 2005
Dear Sir, I recently came across a photo that you have posted on your site of Hungarian inmates at Salzwedel. This particular photo is of an American POW and Hungarian girls being freed from Salzwedel. The reason I am so interested in this photo is because one of the girls in the photo has a very strong resemblance to my grandmother who was freed from there as well. The problem is that the photo online is somewhat blurry and when printed gets even more blurry. Is there any way that i can see this photo live and maybe get some more info about the photo? The resemblance is really uncanny and if there were a way that i could establish anything solid I would greatly appreciate it. Sincerely, Heshy

Subject:	accolades for TRACES’ BUS-eum exhibit
Name:	Rhinelander District Library Adult Programs
Email:	rhinepro@wvls.lib.wi.us
Date:	14 April 05
Michael, I just wanted to tell you that when I was in Minneapolis around March 21st or so, I found a very nice article in the Star Tribune about one of your stops in the St. Paul area. Needless to say, I kept it and will include copies of it in my mailings to our different veterans groups. Good job, TRACES! Chris Honig

Subject:	searching for info about Native-American POW in Nazi Germany
Name:	Hariluk, Jacki (White Earth)
Email:	Jacki.Hariluk@ihs.gov
Date:	14 April 2005
My name is Jacki Hariluk and I work for the Indian Health Center in White Earth, Minnesota. A co-worker (Pete Fairbanks) and I are working on a project to honor our Veterans from the White Earth Reservation. Currently, Pete has been working on veterans that were killed in war when he came across some information on a WWII POW from our reservation named Albert Jugg. We would like your help to obtain information; this is what we have: Albert Jugg Serial # 37549726 German POW from 12/21/44 to 10/19/45 PFC US Army/HQ CO 423 INF DOB: 8/30/1908 and DOD: 5/28/1959 Any information you can help us with will be greatly appreciated--also information on our vets killed in war would help. You can contact Pete or myself at 218-983-6325 or e-mail us at Pete.fairbanks@ihs.gov or Jacki.hariluk@ihs.gov. Thank you!

Subject:	painted copy of WWII-themed Norman Rockwell scene
Name:	Patrick Tupa
Email:	tupastudio@cableone.net
Date:	10 April 2005
Dear Michael Luick-Thrams, I am an artist/illustrator living in Fargo, North Dakota and I just heard about your bus a few minutes ago. Last year I completed a reproduction of Rockwell’s “Homecoming Marine” and thought you might be interested in showing it as part of your museum on wheels. If you are interested in using the painting (see attached photo), how long would you need it? At the moment it is on display and for sale at Boerth’s Gallery in down town Fargo. The painting is framed and measures approximately 44” x 34”. Sincerely, Patrick Tupa www.theartofpatricktupa.com

Subject:	large crowds at BUS-eum showing in Detroit Lakes/Minnesota
Name:	Joann
Email:	joann@beckercountyhistory.org
Date:	8 April 2005
Michael, I know you must be getting tired, but hang in there! I don’t want to scare you, but if the weather is good, we may have upwards of 200-300 people and possibly more. We have had calls from people in Fargo and further north saying they are coming to Detroit Lakes for our event. We have four confirmed POWs coming, with a possible 11 total from the Northwest region of Minnesota. WDAY TV6 news team will be here, plus the local TV3 station and newspaper. The vets are behind this 100%. I have the VFWs, American Legions, DAV, Military Order of the Purple Heart, the National Guard and the Veterans Service office coming. We sent out a flyer to 875 veterans last week. Michael, you will never believe how hungry this community is for the arrival of the BUS-eum and how it has brought everyone together for a common cause. I thank you for giving us this opportunity to do something for the veterans and to bring attention to what they did for us and what it cost them to do it. Joann

Subject:	artifact from German POWs in England
Name:	Gill Fothergill
Email:	gillfothergill@blueyonder.co.uk
Date:	7 April 2005
Dear Michael, perhaps you can help me. About a year ago I visited a car boot sale (I’m sure you’ll have heard about this British craze, where people set up a market to sell all their unwanted items) and picked up a small, engraved, lined tin trinket box. After a while I decided to remove the shabby lining to replace it and found scratched on the bottom the words--German POW work. Made in Egypt 1946. Kilo 40. MM ‘/,EM. The lettering is a bit indistinct so I’m not sure it is absolutely correct. I would dearly love to return this to the soldier’s family but suppose there is no hope of tracing them. What do you think? Yours sincerely, Gill (Fothergill)

Subject:	father told stories about German POWs in Wisconsin
Name:	Mary Adler
Email:	mlamfld@wctc.net
Date:	1 April 2005
Hi, Michael. The invoice will work just fine for us. We will actually have two checks to present to you. One will be for the fee for “Behind Barbed Wire” and another will be for the 1 hour Power Point presentation. I don’t know if I mentioned this before or not, but I am personally sponsoring the PP presentation in memory of my late father. As a child growing up I would love to hear his stories about the German POWs who worked on his cranberry marsh in Central Wisconsin (J.J. Emmerick Cranberry Marsh in Cranmoor, WI) during WWII. Believe me, these stories hit at the heart of your message concerning the “human context” of the POW experiences. Unfortunately, he had never written anything down about his experiences, and even the letters he received for many years from the former POWs who had returned to Germany were not saved. I’m anxious to view your entire exhibit. Thanks, Mary

Subject:	possible volunteer opportunities at TRACES
Name:	Chad Rathmann
Email:	carathmann@wisc.edu
Date:	22 March 2005
Hello, I’m sure you’re flooded with emails, but I just wanted to write to say how fascinated I was with the BUS-eum and with TRACES.org after I visited the bus at St. Paul-Sun Ray on 19 March. As a graduate student in geography with research interests in German ethnicity and heritage in the Midwest, I was thrilled by the bus and the activities of TRACES.org I found on the web. I’m also writing to ask if there are any volunteer opportunities available with TRACES. I didn’t see anything about that on your website. Finally, I noticed that TRACES sponsored several conference/fests in the past. Are there any plans for similar meetings in the near future? Again, I’m sure you’re busy on the road and with other correspondence, but I would be grateful for any information or contacts with which you could provide me. Thanks, Chad Rathmann

Subject:	father was POW at Stalag Luft 1 in Barth, Germany
Name:	Vicki Van Duyn
Email:	vancory1@frontiernet.net
Date:	20 March 2005
Hello, Michael. I visited your BUS-eum at Galaxie Library in Apple Valley, MN today. I thought I heard you mention that your bus will be in Ortonville, MN this month. Please let me know if this is true. My father was a POW at Barth, we spoke of this, and my family would like to see your exhibition if you are traveling to Ortonville, which is near to their home.... and where my father lived for most of his life. The e-mail that you can get in touch with the German men that I know that have found many planes downed during the Battle of the Bulge is Gustav Uebel, email Address: Gustav.Uebel@t-online.de These guys did a couple of beautiful books about the German theater air war. When you contact them, say that you met me, and they will recognize me as one of their contacts. Axel Paul and Frank Guth are the two guys that I talk to the most. They live in the Eiffel area, around Schleiden, where the Battle of the Bulge air war occurred. They both speak English pretty well, and can write it quite well... I mean you will be able to communicate. Thank you, Vicki (Lesmeister) Van Duyn

Subject:	POWs in WWII
Name:	Kathy Carlson
Email:	carlsonk1@juno.com
Date:	23 February 2005
Hi. I am a member of the Minnesota Historical Society and saw your news article in the weekly e-letter. I am very interested in the POW camps in Minnesota, and I’ll give you the Short Reason why: My dad was a medic in WWII, went in on D-Day noon, was wounded and didn’t make it home until 1946. When I was about 10 (about 1957) he took us to a place (overgrown with weeds) near a river. There were building foundations all over, but nothing else. He told us it had been a POW camp. He didn’t say for whom. My mother didn’t come (she is of German-from-Russia extraction). I have a few questions as a result of that experience, living here in the Pacific Northwest (for a while) and looking through your website. >Do you have a map of the POW camps in Minnesota? >Were there other people (i.e. Asians) who were also in POW camps in Minnesota? >Were the only POWs in the camps from Germany or were there also German-Americans there as well? >Do you have a guess as to which POW camp we went to? We lived in Richfield at the time. Thanks so much for any help you can give me, Kathy Carlson

Subject:	"I was POW"
Name:	Lester Schrenk
Email:	zoomexpow@msn.com
Date:	21 February 2005
Michael, I am glad you understood about my not wanting to visit Long Prairie. Sorry to hear you also suffered some of the same problems as I. I also wish to comment about the Veterans memorial at Long Prairie: They have erected a beautiful memorial any town would be proud of. I saw it a few years ago: it was very nice, also had the names of the veterans displayed for all to see. Then I looked for my name—it was not there; I surmised it was because I had left L.P. soon after I returned home. Then, I looked for my brother’s name: he had served In the Air Force in the Pacific, and remained on a farm until the ‘70s; he is now deceased: it was not there either. Then, I looked for some of my friends and neighbors that were killed in action: some were there, others not. I was puzzled, how could there be so many obvious omissions? Later I saw a friend whose name was on the memorial; I asked him, only to be told that to have your name engraved required a donation of $ 100.00 So, your deeds in the military are not recognized without a donation! Those that were killed in action defending their country and had no relative willing to give a $100.00 were not honored. What a slap in the face!!! With that in mind, I do not wish my name to be remembered on that memorial but wish to be forgotten with the rest of my fallen heroes who were also forgotten. Les

Subject:	Bitter feelings about hometown
Name:	Lester Schrenk
Email:	zoomexpow@msn.com
Date:	20 February 2005
Dear Michael, I am sorry to disappoint you with Long Prairie, but that is one place where I do not wish to give a talk [as TRACES had requested, given that Lester is from Long Prairie/Minnesota]. My days at my country school were enjoyable, My nightmare started just as soon as I started at the Long Prairie High School. This was in the mid-Depression and my parents had just lost their entire savings; they refused to go on welfare ( I applaud them ) As a result in my entire 4 years of High school I had but 2 shirts and 2 pairs of pants, which I wore for the entire 4 years—also, the same pair of shoes for all 4 years. To them, I came from the wrong side of the tracks (a farmer): I was teased, bullied and was an outcast—called every name, such as STINKING FARMER, along with many others. They made rude comments about my dress, and how I looked. To them, I could do no right. During those 4 years, I never attended a single school event, picnic, JR/SR prom—not even a sports event. I never bought a class ring, nor even wished to have a graduation photo. To this day I consider my former classmates as snobs and wish no contact. My nightmare ended when I enlisted in the Air Force, where I made many friends. I was again an equal. My ordeal ended. To this day the ordeal I went through during my time in L.P. high school equates with my time spent as a POW. The only time I ever go back to Long Prairie is to visit my parents graves, along with my other relatives buried there. I also do not have any contact with any veterans’ posts. I do belong to some groups, but I have never attended a single meeting. Sincerely, Les

Subject:	Midwest “liberators”
Name:	Sheila Hansen
Email:	dhansen@spe.midco.net
Date:	17 February 2005
Michael, hello. I apologize for taking so much time to get back to you—alternate e-mail addresses and less-used accounts and all that. I briefly went to your site and looked around. It looks very interesting, as does your work and credentials. Certainly you may link [to the web site about South Dakota liberators of Nazi concentration camps to the TRACES web site]. I don’t think my project was really all that impressive in the scope of things, but it was a learning experience.... I already have plans for improvement if I can ever dedicate the time to get back to it. You may be interested also to read my book review of Inside the Vicious Heart, a book I am sure you are familiar with. It’s at http://academic.kellogg.cc.mi.us/mandel/hansen_rev.htm and is also relevant at points from a Midwest standpoint. We should collaborate on something sometime. I am always on the lookout for new, interesting projects about my region. Stay in touch--Regards, Sheila

Subject:	Germany of today
Name:	Elisabeth
Email:	mainoffice@scattergood.org
Date:	31 January 2005
Dear Michael. Hello, hello. I hope you’re well. I just spent a couple weeks in Germany over winter break. I particularly enjoyed the Checkpoint Charlie museum. What a well put-together museum. I was impressed, too, by the fact that it was being a museum documenting the human rights violations from the sixties until now. All too often it seems like museums represent to us old, old history. History that feels far removed. Anyway, it reminded me of your BUS-eum, another good museum experience in my life. Take care, Elisabeth Main Office Scattergood Friends School

Subject:	a TRACES presetation
Name:	Sharon Brummer
Email:	slbrp@msn.com
Date:	21 January 2005
Michael, I was working with Humanities Iowa today in regard to Time Slice III and I thought about you. Our Friends of the Library group wants to thank you again for your presentation. Our group was small, but we thoroughly enjoyed the evening. My husband has been reading about the prisoners in Minnesota from the book I purchased from you. His hometown is Wells, MN and I am from Brown Count, with New Ulm as the county seat, so this book is timely for both of us. Regards for your future work, Sharon Brummer

Subject:	feedback on Midwest POW exhibit
Name:	Rose Schinker
Email:	rschinker@lavistamail.mccneb.edu
Date:	18 January 2005
Michael: Just wanted to let you know the positive feedback the La Vista Public Library received about the P.O.W. program. The La Vista Public Library has tried a number of adult programs: local authors, genealogy, humanities, poetry--but nothing has been a success like your program. Our library had record numbers of attendance for your program/display. History seems to be our local topic of interest. Even though our library closes at 9PM, we had to let people know they could return the next morning. They didn’t want to leave, even though they’d been there for hours. The perspectives that your presentation gave, not to mention the quality, concerning the POWs from the Midwest were of great interest. As you know, our audience age ranged from grade school children with their parents to people who were interested in the war to the elderly who were interested in the items you had brought with you. The panels with the text were excellent and the most popular items, I think. So much information in such a small amount of surface area! Thank you so much for bringing your display to Nebraska. This program assisted in bringing our community together (and we still had calls after you left! We could’ve kept you a whole week and had people in to see your display.). I wish you continued success in your endeavors and travels. Sincerely, Rose Schinker, Library Director La Vista Public Library

Subject:	Latin-American German POWs held in the U.S.
Name:	Juan Mateo Borrero Brauer
Email:	mattborrero@hotmail.com
Date:	25 October 2004
Mr. Michael Luick-Thrams, my name is Juan Mateo Borrero Brauer, my grandfather, Alfredo Brauer, is an Ecuadorian citizen and his father was German. During Second World War he and his brother were detained in Quito and secretly transferred by a US military plane to Panamá. From there he went to a detainment camp inside the US. I am currently studying the legality of such procedures according to the United States law and to the international law existing at the time. I would be most obliged to you if by any chance you can provide me with such facts. The study is intended to serve a a document proving that German families, who had nothing to do with Second World War suffered injustices in the hands of the American government. Yours truthfully, Mateo Borrero

Subject:	the BUS exhibit
Name:	Gert Wheeler
Email:	gertwheeler@hotmail.com