“This is the second or third year that the Library of Congress has been conducting this history project, and because I have always enjoyed history since I was young, it should surprise no one that I am involved with this project,” Grassley said.

“Each year we try to get as many veterans as we can in one place and get a video recording on what they want to say and tell about their military involvement. They could be people who have been involved in a very terrific battle — those who saw what war was really like, or just people who were behind whose lives were not is so much danger,” Grassley said. “But whatever it is that they say is from their point of view and only from their point of view.

“The recorded stories are then stored at the Library of Congress for posterity, and can be checked out, watched and listened to. These are stories that will never be found in a book, and we thank all of the veterans who have helped to create these volumes of oral personal history. Hearing these stories should help everyone appreciate our freedoms and liberties that much more,” he concluded.

While at IVH, Grassley and his staff honored Doug Sienknecht with his service medals earned while serving in the Navy during the Vietnam War from 1960-64.

T-R PHOTO BY CHUCK FRIEND
Virginia Knoll of the Iowa Veterans Home was presented a flag that flew over the United States Capitol in Washington D.C. on Nov. 2, which was her 100th birthday. her husband Tony (right) looks on.

Sienknecht served as an engine mechanic aboard an LST. He was presented the National Service medal; the Honorable Discharge button and the Vietnam Veterans lapel pin.

After farming sore several years, Sienknecht worked at the IVH for 11 years as a driver for residents.

Grassley also honored Virginia Knoll who turned 100 on Nov. 2. The senator presented her with a flag that flew over the United States Capitol on her birthday. She and her husband Tony are residents of IVH and have been married for 76 years.