Oral History Project

Our History, Your Story

NGAUS members make up the fabric of the National Guard leadership. There is nothing more impactful than the collective history of the many unique members of the National Guard. By participating, they not only preserve their own stories and can share with family and friends, but they contribute to the greater record of the National Guard from the Cold War era through the transition to the operational reserve of the Army and Air Forces.

What to Look For

PCI will be sending postcards and emails to our members. Simply follow the steps to update your information and set up a time to share your story with one of their staff members.

Postcard Example

Email Example	NATIONAL GUARD Magazine Story (appeared in the Aug. 2024 issue)

Frequently Asked Questions by Members
 

I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about National Guard Association of the United States. Tell me more about the project.

We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for NGAUS. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, Texas, that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years. This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time in the National Guard and how the organization helped to shape your life since then. And, while we have you on the phone, we want to make sure your contact information is up to date.

Does NGAUS benefit from this at all?

Yes, in a few different ways:

• Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage members
• Legacy – sharing and collecting stories preserves the history of our organization
• Revenue – generates membership revenue for member programs
• Pride – wearing apparel shows support and love for our organization

How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?

PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law.

I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How can I do this?

• If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, and then ask you to share your story about your time in the Guard. Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip provided to NGAUS at the conclusion of the project.
• If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.
• If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, please email [email protected]. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.

How can I participate if I am Deaf/Hard of Hearing?

If you would like to participate and are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, please email [email protected]. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.

Can I choose what information prints in the publication?

The only information that is included in the publication is your name, highest rank, and branch of service, along with your story and photo. No contact information is printed. When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your member record for the organization. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before Feb. 21, 2025, by contacting PCI’s customer service help desk at 1-800-982-1590 or [email protected].

I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.

You can call back at any time before Feb. 21, 2025, to share your story.

I shared a story and the representative said I could send a photo. How do I do this?

You will receive an email with a link to upload one photo (black and white or color) plus a caption.

If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send a physical photo in to be printed (Note: the photo will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).

Can anyone purchase a book?

The oral history publication is available for sale only to NGAUS members.

I ordered a book / package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?

Contact PCI’s customer service help desk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!