Postcards from a War is a poignant, honest story of how war separates families and, at the same time, brings them together. War is difficult to rationalize and explain, even when you are part of it. As a soldier and father of three young boys, I still find war a difficult topic to discuss with children. The separation is hard on both parent and child, but is especially confusing for the child because children don’t understand why fathers and mothers must go away for long periods of time.

Vanita Oelschlager has drawn from her own experiences as a child during World War II to identify with boys and girls whose parents now serve overseas in the armed forces. Postcards touched me with its echoes of when military service took me away from my wife and children.

Vanita reminds us that as parents and grandparents we have an obligation to our children to take the time to explain, comfort and help them stay connected and tell their stories.

Finally, she leaves us with a renewed pride in military service and the hope that perhaps our children may be the last generation to say goodbye to a parent called away to serve his or her country in a time of war.

David Rozelle
U.S. Army Officer and Author of Back In Action: An American Soldier's Story of Courage, Faith and Fortitude

"I am a sentimental type and this story really hits home for me in many ways -- grandfather in WWII and his love notes back and forth to my gma who was at home with infant (my father)...His postcards are both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I think it makes for a great story and reminds the public of the sacrifice our men and women make for our country.”

Shelley Waltonen-Moore
Education Dean's Office

The University of Akron