Inherited family letters had the unexpected consequence of drawing me into writing about WWII. My father, Richard Berkey, served as an Army medic in Europe, and my aunt, Lucy Berkey, served as a Navy WAVES map artist in Washington, DC. One sentence in a letter my grandmother wrote to my father on Dec. 9, 1941 inspired me to tell their stories—“Why can’t the poor old earth just learn to exterminate war?”

Fifteen years and three published books later, I’m still writing and speaking about WWII. I’ve given over 60 author talks and welcome the opportunity to meet people in book clubs and service organizations. The concept for book four is starting to form.

I believe that the best way to truly honor those who have died in war is to eliminate war. Humans can create and sustain lasting peace on earth.