The beginnings of a Thesis

Tonight I received back my research proposal for my Master’s thesis, with much encouraging news. The purpose of this assignment is to make sure that you are picking a solid argument and or proposing question for a solid thesis.  Due to my overwhelming desire to write on Berga and the question of why the men were treated as Jews instead of Americans haunts me every day. Daily, I wake to the excitement of finding some new morsel of information in the numerous new sources I have located this year for instance in the newspaper articles from the 1940's thanks to the Dr. and Mrs.Vogel and there wonderful visit in Boston.

 I had already decided that without a doubt I would write my thesis on Berga and the tragedy that occurred in the labor camp. After the submission of my research proposal I was highly encouraged by not only my advisor but also two other WWII historians at the college. This thrills me to no end to know that my traveling and endless researching/reading is paying off. I have now completed page 41 of my thesis, named, "Berga Captives: Jews or Americans". I am not 100% sure of the title as it normally evolves during my writings but I do know the topic. I am well ahead of the deadline for thesis submission of June on my writings.

Thank you to all whom have encouraged me by pointing to sources or just encouraged me to write. I am so unbelievable excited to see what this coming year holds for me as a researcher, Archivist, a hopefully future writer. My ultimate goal is to educate people on the sacrifices these men made not only for their country, but also for their religious beliefs.

New Opportunities -NARA

Today, I can officially cross another item off by so called "bucket list." At 1:53pm I received a call I never thought I would get. It was an archivist from the National Archives calling to say they have considered me for a position and are offering me a paid fellowship through the National Archives in College Park Maryland, where I currently reside.

The call lasted about 25 minutes and I found myself thinking I cannot believe out of the applicants they chose me. Wow.


On December 7th, I will visit and meet my future colleagues to begin my work as an archivist.
I am so thankful for this opportunity and plan to use it to the fullest.

The Archivist explained I would be handing documents that are coming out of storage and processing them ready for use and they will be held in the vaults in College Park. I will be on a team of Archivists whom will be working on artifacts as well as Military records dated back from World War II. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me and I am still in bliss they chose me.

I can't believe the irony of December 7th being the day which we remember the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the origination of World War II actually being the same day in which I start my journey as an archivist. This is a day I will never forget.

The Article regarding the diary dedication

For all of you whom have asked about when the article is going to be posted... Here it is... Read it and watch the video.... It will help you understand my passion for these men whom were held at Berga.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/10/28/acevedo.holocaust.soldier/index.html?iref=allsearch

Washington, DC

Thursday night we packed Bill's truck to the brim about 5 ft above the roof with clothes, furniture, etc, and after 14.5 hours I made it, to the new house. I was pleasantly greeted by Zinniah (a large lab) and Moca (a extra large lab) as well as Charlotte and Ashley, the new roomies. I was welcomed by a message on the chalkboard, welcoming me and my family for our stay. The entire weekend we toured the museums and other wonderful culture of the city. Bill spent the majority of a day in the Aerospace museum, we all spent a few hours in the USHMM Holocaust, and some time in Natural History Museum. All were wonderful but spending time with the people I love was even better. Tonight, Bill and mom worked on getting my room in order, unpacked, drapes hung, etc. Finally I have my stuff put away. Only 3.5 weeks and I will be home for Thanksgiving. I can hardly wait to see my wonderful family and crazy friends. Love to all!

The Acevedo Dedication

On Tuesday the 12th I headed to DC for my last short trip until the big move on the 22nd of this month to College Park. When arriving in DC, I took the subway from Reagan International to my new address on Matey Rd in Maryland. The idea was to stay there while on my trip and to get to know the new roomies. Well that went wonderful the first few hours as we went to dinner together.

When returning from dinner to my new place I showered, and got ready for bed. At 4:30am, in the morning I awoke to the sound of rats scurrying through the walls and on the floor in the other room. I was completely freaked out, as I flipped the light on. So at 4:40am I packed up my stuff and headed to Priceline.com and found a hotel in downtown DC. I then left the house telling them this place would not work for me and left on foot to the subway. With suitcase in hand, I headed to downtown to a Starbucks where I stayed until 8:00am, when I met the Acevedo family at the USHMM. It was an honor to meet them in person.

The Acevedo family and I headed into the museum where I held the diary in my hands as one of the last people to ever hold it, before it is processed into the vault at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. It was an overwhelming honor. Below is a picture of the diary and me with tony Acevedo. The family, his son Fernando Acevedo and his wife Mitsy were wonderful by including me into the family tour. For two hours the family and I talked and I examined to diary. From 9-3 Tony was meeting for his oral history interview so the family and decided to leave and meet back at 3:30pm for the dedication and then for dinner. At 12 noon I met CNN for the much awaited interview. The interview was a great honor due to this journalist's article being the reason I decided to start studying Berga. The meeting was awesome and I cannot wait until it is posted online. The subject was my research and the dedication of the diary.
At 4pm the diary was officially donated at a wonderful ceremony at the USHMM. Afterward Wayne Drash, the Acevedo's and I went for a yummy dinner. Afterward I retired to my hotel for the evening. I was so happy to rest after such a long day.

Tomorrow will be my 29th birthday. I am extremely excited as I spend it in the city I love. I also have an appointment to meet two girls who are interested as me as their roommate in College Park. I am so excited. Here is a pic of the house. I just keep thinking that everything happens for a reason. The potential new room is a 5 minute walk to the archives and is in a perfect location.

USHMM-United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

This morning I spoke with Kyra Schuster, the curator who is hosting the Acevedo's for the dedication of Tony Acevedo's diary. The plans have been made for the dedication on October 13th. So far the Vogel's and Wayne Drash of CNN will be joining us. I cannot believe I am being included in this momentous event as an eager Graduate student. On October 12th I get to hold this 60 year old diary in my hands. So excited I can't hardly stand it!

Breaking News!

Tonight I spoke with Fernando Acevedo, Anthony Acevedo's son. It was a thrill to spend almost an hour on the phone with him telling me stories about his father... After hearing about me through Wayne Drash of CNN, he expressed to me that he would love for me to be apart of the dedication of the diary. He stated that, "You are now involved in this and it wouldn't be wright for you to not be included in this occasion."So instead of being a spectator I will be a part of "the family" tour (as he put it) to the museum and see his father hand over his precious memento's to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. What a thrill. I feel as though I know the family and can't believe the opportunity I have to document this momentous occasion. So not only am I going to see them on the 11th of October for the interview and to be one of the last people to ever hold this precious WWII diary, I will be with the family during their tour and dedication of the diary! Thank you the Acevedo family for including me in such a huge event. I am ever so grateful!

Next travel trip booked!~Washington, DC

My next trip to Washington D.C. is booked. I have an unbelievable chance to interview as well as hold the diary of the medic held at Berga an der Estler. I spoke to Anthony Acevedo last week regarding my trip to California in February. During our conversation he told me that he was asked by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in DC if he would donate his diary. So he asked if I would be able to attend the donation ceremony on October 14th, which is my 29th birthday. What better way to celebrate my birthday then with some of the men I am passionate about. So of course I said yes. Once the diary is donated I know no one will ever hold it again except the curators of the museum, so I asked him if we would meet for dinner on the 12th in the city and I could have a chance to hold it. He then agreed and told me him and his family would love to meet me as well as CNN reporter whom I have spoke to several times, Wayne Drash. I also called Wayne and invited him to the dinner. On October 14th I am getting a chance of a lifetime to hold the diary of Acevedo's experiences in my hands. I am so incredibly thrilled with this opportunity. Now to pick a restaurant.




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Boston Day 4- Dinner

Tonight after taking a two and a half hour nap once returning from my morning out, the Vogel's and I went on a 1.5 mile walk around the city to a nice Thai Restaurant. The food was great and the company was even better. I heard about how the Vogel's met and where they were married. She purchased her gown from Filene's famous Basement for $29. She said that they met on a blind date and still loved each other. This couple has truly inspired me to live life to the fullest. At 85 Mr. Vogel wears me out walking all over town. I thoroughly enjoyed my night with them. When arriving back at the home we were greeted by some friends of theirs in the lobby. So proudly introduced was I to their friends by Mrs. Vogel. They bragged about my research and work like I was their own child or something. I will defiantly keep in touch with them after this trip and see them next month at the dedication of Anthony Acevedo's diary in Washington DC. As I sit writing in the office looking out from the 16th floor of the city of Boston, I can't help but wonder what life in a big city will feel like. Maryland awaits me in two weeks, kinda scared of the unknown but also extremely excited!

Day 4- Boston

This morning I awoke with the sound of Ms. Vogel saying, "Hunny are you alright?" Well it was 8:45am and normally I have been getting up around 7am so she wanted to make sure I was ok. Well I was, and I leaped outta bed got dressed and headed out for a day on the town. She wanted to make sure I was OK before leaving for her morning yoga class. Such a sweet lady. I then walking about 6 miles all around the city thru the garden, to Paul Revere's tomb, Cheers bar (where everybody knows your name) and shopped at TJ Maxx for shoes... To much to my surprise I found a pair of clearance books black leather and so comfy for $19.99. So I purchased. After having lunch and walking abit thru the park it started to sprinkle. Luckily while in NYC I had bought an umbrella, which I quickly snached from my handbag with a confident look of overpreparedness on my face. The rain started to clear after 10 mins or so and the sky was beautiful again. That old saying from Mark Twain about New England's weather was surreal, " If you are not happy about the weather than wait a minute," describing the constant change in their weather. I LOVE Boston now. Tomorrow is my last day here and I am sad to go. I am not sure what tomorrow holds as of yet but I am sure it will be memorable.

Today I also realized a small fact. One month from today I will be 29. I really thought that I would be dreading it but all of these new experiences have really changed my outlook on life. Seize the day, is my new motto. Two weeks from now I will be driving to Washington DC to claim as my new home, with the car packed to the ceiling and my mother in tow life will start a new branch. Ecstatic of what that might entail.

Day 3-Boston

I awoke today by the smell of wonderful homemade fruit cereal. Mrs. Vogel was making homemade fruit cereal. After sitting down for Breakfast with the Dr. and his wife we started discussing Berga and Bernard “Jackie” Vogel, Martin’s brother. At several points Dr. Vogel teared up talking about his beloved brother who was only one and half years his senior. As I was looking at him, I saw the man before me, well accomplished, become vulnerable almost 60 years after the death of his beloved brother. The Vogel’s left for their morning exercises, Ms. Vogel at the Boston Sports Club and Dr. Vogel in the gym downstairs. In their 80’s they still read three newspapers everyday and are very aware of the situation in Washington as well as other political and economical affairs. So far I have thoroughly enjoyed my visit with this inviting couple.

At 11:30 I went to Fedex-Kinco’s and made copies of newspaper articles regarding POW’s from Berga dated from the 1940’s. Secondary sources are over flowing now. Also I came across a diary which was submitted to Dr. Vogel’s Uncle, Charles Vogel during the trial of Metz and Merz, the guards whom held the prisoners of Berga. This contained the names of all the men at Berga and the death dates of 20 of those whom perished. I also grabbed lunch at Au bon Pain, a local café, umm chicken salad croissant, and a peach tea. I also visited Feline’s Basement, where I can proudly say I walked away spending nothing. I returned five blocks back to the Vogel Residence.

After numerous conversions between me and Dr. Vogel we got out a map of Germany and began to look for the site where Berga once stood. Well after numerous minutes… Jackpot… It was located. I expressed to him that my passion is to educate people on the atrocities of the trial and to bear witness of what those whom served endured. The time I have spent with the Vogel’s is priceless.

At 11:00 this morning I expressed my desire to meet the world famous Elie Wiesel to Dr. Vogel. He stated that as a professor at Boston University Medical he would call his office and explain who I was and my desire to meet him as well as his. So we are awaiting a call back for a time and place. This has been an unbelievable trip and a chance to meet Mr. Wiesel would be the cherry on top.

At 5:18 I got a strange call from Wayne Drash, at CNN. He told me that Anthony Acevedo’s iary from when he was held in Berga was being donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum on my Birthday! So of course I am going and best of all Tony Acevedo agreed to have dinner with me on the 12th so that I can hold his diary in my hands. I might be one of the last people to hold it before it is archived at the museum. So thrilled! So the moving date has been moved up to October 1st. I will be moving there on the 1st now and then going to the city for the dedication on my birthday. Also Norman Fellman and his wife as well as the Vogel’s are planning to attend, a once in a lifetime experience for all these wonderful people to be together in one place. My trip in February to California has been cancelled due to Tony Acevedo coming to DC. When I thought my career was taking off I was under estimating that I am living my dreams every moment of everyday. So DC bound once again I am.

Day 2: Boston

Day 2: After sleeping 9.5 hours we hit the streets again before catching our flights out. Me continuing to Boston and Tim returning to Jacksonville. As we were out on the town we visited Battery Park, ate at my favorite Amish Restaurant and China Town where we shopped (no I did not buy an knock off purses!) and Tim cat called the people, “Gucci, Prada, LV,” I was so embarrassed. Once arriving back at the hotel at 3, we scurried off to the airport, where something interested happened. Once arriving at my gate they called my name over the loud speaker. When arriving at the service counter, they informed me that due to several seats on the flight being broken, they were bumping me up to a non-stop flight to Boston at no charge. I jumped on the chance to arrive at 8pm instead of the original midnight. Well the flight was wonderful, no motion sickness. After arriving at baggage claim, my bag was nowhere to be found. THEY LOST MY BAG! So I filed my report and headed to the only place I knew was inexpensive, Target. What would we do without Target. So the taxi waited on me to flash through the store picking up soap, jammies, clothes, etc. After spending $160 I returned to the car. Once I arrived at The Vogel Residence I was astonished. They live walking distance from Boston University and in a unbelievable condo in the middle of the city. The concierge took my bags and rang them to let them know I was arriving upstairs. After arriving to the residence I was greeted by the most wonderful people. They wanted to know all about my passion and why I was studying Berga. After all without Dr. Vogel’s Uncles influence regarding his brother’s (Bernard Vogel) death at Berga, the guards at Berga would have never been brought to Judicial justice. He started showing me all the court documents he had on the case from 1945. To say the least I have my work cut out for me in the following days. I am so excited about this trip. He also holds a prized possession… (drum roll please) Another copy of the silence pamphlet the men of Berga were forced to sign. To the other historians whom cannot confirm nor deny the existence of these “silence pamphlets” I have news for you, they exist and I have three of them in my hot little hands. Unbelievable milestone on that account. Mitchell Bard, Flint Whitlock, and Michael Hirsh the three Historians who have written about Berga, I hope to one day sit down with you and share this precious artifact with you. Also without the encouragement of Michael Hirsh, author of The Liberators, I would not have fed this passion on Berga the way I have by traveling the US meeting all these wonderful people. One another note Dr. Martin Vogel told me that he teaches at Boston University and said he might be able to help me meet Elie Wiesel, the man whom I feel like I know and whose words will linger with me the remainder of my days (not to mention I have them tattooed on my left foot!) “For the dead and living, we must bear witness”-Elie Wiesel

Well Mr. Wiesel your words ring true to me and I will spend my life telling others about the men of Berga an der Estler!


Tomorrow is filled with excitement as I hold the documents that I will compose my Master’s thesis with. There is no telling what discoveries tomorrow will bring. Wish me luck!

New York City-“The Big Apple”

Day 1: After taking the cab from Basking Ridge to Penn Station Newark, then to Penn station Newark to Penn Station Manhattan, we arrived. Checking into the Hampton Inn at Madison Square Garden. The room was beautiful. King size bed, down comforters, huge television mounted on the wall. We quickly checked in and took the Metro to Chevy’s (our favorite place in Times Square) for flaunta’s and Fajitas. I miss that place terrible since ours closed in Jax in 2002. After that we visited the Empire State Building, Ground Zero (because during 9/11 every year they have spot lights that shine up into the sky where the twin towers once stood, amazing sight to see), and Rockefeller Center. After all this walking we were exhausted. Hotel bound!

9/10 and 9/11 2010

Today I am thoroughly exhausted. After taking two days nonstop on the streets of New York City, my feet hurt. As I am sitting at the airport in Newark I am playing this past weekend in my head. Little did I know that the Old Mill Inn in Basking Ridge New Jersey has hosted famous stars like Bette Midler, Susan Sarandon, Rob Lowe, and the Baldwin’s. It was a magnificently beautiful place. I stayed there only one night due to my desires to continue onto NYC by train.

New Jersey... and NYC

So yesterday I checked my bag and arrived at the gate. After confirming for the one hundredth time that I was in the right place after much prompting of my mother... I relaxed at the gate and started talking with a man regarding why I was traveling. I explained to him that I was traveling all around the U.S. meeting POW's held in a concentration camp called Berga. He said, "When I think of concentration camps I think of Jews from Germany not our own men." This just reaffirmed my desire to write a book to educate people what our own GI's endured. My flight from Charlotte to New Jersey was delayed and I arrived at 2:45am. This morning I arrived promptly at the restaurant and Tim video taped the entire lunch. Now I have digital memories I can later recall in my life and be so thankful they were caught on tape..

During the lunch Peter Iosso and Norman Fellman and their lovely wives shared memories they had of Berga an der Ester. I was in awe that I was sitting here like a fly on the wall listening to these men talk. Norman made me laugh several times. He said without laughter he wouldn't be alive today. I firmly believe him. Above all Norman gave me his copy of the silence pamphlet no other historian who has studied Berga has, I am the only one. So now I can confirm that yes they signed these pamphlets and a major milestone was accomplished. Also I was told of two other Berga POW's contact info as well. So more traveling is about to begin.

At the spur of the moment we decided to go to NYC at 3pm. I went online and priced a hotel in Manhattan and got an unbelievable deal. So at 5pm we will be shuttling into the city to spend the night and spend all day tomorrow in NYC until our flights out to Boston and to home for Tim.

The adventure has taken me to different routes but overall it will be a blast to be in NYC for roughly two days especially for September 11th.

Departing....

Sitting at the airport waiting to board which seems like an eternity. The first of my travels begin.. A little nervous and filled with excitement. I started journaling the minute I arrived at the airport. I was told that one day I would have these entries as a keepsake when I am old and gray. Some how I think they are right. Newark here I come. Lunch tomorrow with Peter Iosso and his wife and Norman Fellman and his wife Bunny. Basking Ridge New Jersey here I come!

Confirmation of Destiny

Today I ran into someone whom I haven't seen in years. When they asked me what I was up to I found myself going off on a tangent and explaining to them my passion for learning and discovering new details regarding Berga an der Estler and meeting the wonder POW's I have met so far. After they walked away I felt this passion erupt in me about my subject once again. I thoroughly needed that today. I leave tomorrow for New Jersey and Boston... I'm packed and confirmations have been made. I am ready to board the plane.... Now impatience of waiting of one more day.

Day to Day Blessings

I never dreamed a passion would arise in me like the one I have for studying Berga. Everyday I awake with a new excitement that today I will read/discover something new. Until now I never knew what people meant by, "Living the dream" but now I am certain I do. I never dreamed I would travel all over the United States just to meet total strangers and be ecstatic that I will have a chance to shake the hands of men whom gave so very much. I am truly honored. I pray a special blessing on the Fellman family, Anthony Acevado, the Iosso family, and the Vogel family, because of your sacrifices we live with our freedom. Thanks to your sacrifices we were blessed.

Traveling amongst Sacrifice

Today, was exactly what I needed. Reconfirmation that this is my passion for life and the renewed determination came from speaking to Anthony Acevedo regarding my trip to California in the Spring. Palm Springs here I come. I cannot wait to hold his diary he kept almost 60 years ago in my hands... ---Getting the goose bumps already...

I reconfirmed my plans to visit Norman Fellman and his lovely wife Bunny in New Jersey on Saturday the 11th of September. I cannot believe that I have the opportunity to meet and talk face to face with the men I am writting about. It is a true honor. I also spoke with Peter Iosso today and he and his wife will be joining us for lunch at the Old Mill Inn located in Jersey. A beautiful old Inn.. Here is a pic..


Last Monday, Mr. Vogel and his wife so kindly called me and invited me to stay in their beautiful downtown Boston home... So excited...I am sure I will enjoy my time speaking with them regarding Mr. Vogel's brother whom perished at the hands of Berga's guards sixty years ago.

Today was a momentous day!

First Morton Brooks called me and granted my wish for an interview.. I am so excited.

Then Wayne Drash from CNN called me and volunteered to give me all of his info used in his article on Berga.

Lastly, Norman Fellman and Peter Iosso agreed to meet me for lunch at a great family owned b&b and restaurant in New Jersey. So it is official on September 11th, I will meeting them both with my road warrior Sandy for lunch and an interview.

New News --Martin Vogel just called!

Martin Vogel, brother of Bernard Vogel just called and stated he found a copy of the silence pamphlets Berga survivors were forced to sign.. I have been looking for this for almost a year now... Can't wait to meet him in Sept.

8/8/2010 Phone Interview with Norman Fellman, Berga POW

Here is his story of recieving his metals for bravery as a POW 60 years later

Sixty-five years later Army honors WWII Vet Norman D. Fellman
January 25, 2010 posted by Bob Higgins

Jerry Herrmann of The Daily Courier

Sixty-five years after the Germans captured Norman D. Fellman of Prescott during World War II, the U.S. Army recognized him Wednesday as one of 350 U.S. soldiers who were held as slaves inside Nazi Germany at the Berga an der Elster camp.


Lt. Col. Jim Adams, who represented Peter Geren, secretary of the Army, presented Fellman with his medal at a ceremony at the Bob Stump Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Fellman and other members of B Company, 275th Regiment of the Army’s 70th Division, in January 1945 were operating near Falkenberg Ridge, about 12 kilometers outside of Phillipsbourg, France, when they were ambushed by the Germans.

Adams said German tanks surrounded B Company, which was out of communication with other units or headquarters, as they moved through waist-deep snow.

In the book “Given Up for Dead” written by Flint Whitlock, Fellman said, “… We had scooped out holes the best we could in the rock, and we were pretty much out of ammo.

“The Germans came around with flame-throwing tanks at the base of the hill, but had evidently decided to bypass us initially and had gone around us and were cleaning up when they came back to get us.”

Fellman said his unit had three choices – “we could freeze to death, we could starve to death, or we could surrender.”

-After my interview with him on Sunday he stated, "I wish that the POW's whom died in the camp had been recoginized as well as us who were living and their families given their metals."

Meeting Michael Hirsh

On March 31, 2010 I had the privalage to meet Michael Hirsh, author of The Liberators at The Univeristy of South Florida Tampa campus. Afer contacting him via email regarding his book I found at the gift shop at the National Archives. I attended his lecture and the dedication of his research conducted for his book to the holocaust section of the Library at USF. Before the lecture I was able to spend about an hour interviewing him and talking about Berga an der Estler concentration camp with him. Hirsh encouraged me to continue my research on Berga an der Estler.

Visiting Washington, D.C. with Sandy Wheeler, European Historian

First trip to Washington,D.C with Sandy Wheeler, UNF Historian. We had a blast!