James “Eric” Sams of Sabina became the first person interviewed for the Clinton County Veteran Oral History Project recently when he sat down with Jerome Agean of WALH-LP FM radio at the station on Main Street in Wilmington.
Sams, originally from Ross County, is a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient who was in the U.S. Army from 1962-1970.
Sams spent about an hour recounting not only his military experiences, but how his life post-military was influenced by those experiences. Additionally, he donated several items to the Clinton County History Center, to be archived with his interview.
The Clinton County Veterans’ Oral History Committee and its sponsors feel this program is vital to safeguarding and transmitting to future generations the unfiltered experiences of the area’s men and women who answered their nation’s call in its hour of need.
All Clinton County veterans who served during any war or conflict from World war II through OIF, OEF is urged to contact Shelby Boatman at the Clinton County History Center at 937-382-4684 to schedule either a daytime or evening appointment.
The Clinton County Veterans’ Oral History Project is sponsored and supported by the Clinton County Historical Society; James H. Smithson Post 6710, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Marion Post 179 and Wilmington Veterans Post 49, American Legion; WALH-LP FM Radio; Wilmington College; Wilmington Public Library; Wilmington Rotary Clubs; and numerous dedicated volunteers.
Anyone having any questions about the program may contact Paul Butler at 937-283-5995.
