Grassley Marks Over 100 Veterans’ Stories Shared with Library of Congress

Grassley Marks Over 100 Veterans' Stories Shared with Library of Congress

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today delivered six more interviews with Iowa veterans to the Library of Congress as part of the Veterans History Project. Grassley has now submitted 101 Iowa veterans' stories, from World War II to present day. In the recorded interviews, the veterans detail their experiences serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Library of Congress established the Veterans History Project in 2000 to collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations can hear from them directly and better understand their heroism and service.

The stories of the following veterans were submitted today:

1. Teresa Martens, Crawford County - Army: Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia, Germany
2. Harlan "Bud" Hockenberg, Polk County - Navy: Charleston, South Carolina
3. Jeffrey Mendenhall, Crawford County - Iowa Air National Guard: Iraq (War on Terrorism)
4. Gavin Sandvig, Polk County - Iowa Army National Guard: Operation Iraqi Freedom
5. Robert Suesekul, Jasper County - Army: Iraq
6. Mike Olson, Marion County - Iowa Army National Guard: Desert Storm, Stateside

Grassley spoke on the Senate floor about the Veterans History Project today. Video and remarks follow.

Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
Senate President Pro Tempore
"Veterans History Project"
Thursday, March 19, 2026

VIDEO

I come to the floor about a project that I've been proud to support over the years at the Library of Congress. The project is called [the] Veterans History Project.

The Veterans History Project helps collect as well as preserve the stories of American veterans so that future generations can hear directly from the people who have served our country. These are actually videos so you can hear as well as see.

The sacrifices of the men and women in uniform should never be forgotten.

Their stories help us to better understand the cost of freedom and the service that has helped keep our country safe and free and strong.

Today, I will be delivering, for the ninth year, the stories of six more Iowa veterans to the Library of Congress as part of this project.

These veterans come from communities across Iowa and represent different branches of military service. This year, [that includes] the Army, Navy, Air National Guard and Army National Guard. Their service includes different periods and experiences, even including service during Operation Desert Storm.

These records bring the total number of records that I've submitted for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project to [over] 100.

These additional stories will now be preserved at the Library of Congress, where they can help future generations better understand the roles our veterans have played in defending our freedoms.

I'm glad that these Iowa stories will be part of such an important project.

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