I think I mentioned that at the Camp Arroyo Grande Jamboree, I was deeply touched because a young teen, Caleb, bought one of my World War II Aviators books. I inscribed it especially for him.
(It especially made up for the guy who passed my books and snorted derisively, “Outlaws in San Luis County?” Snort. That book took a year to research and write. So have the others.)
It also made up for the book, on World War II aviators, that I accidentally gave away to an older gent–by that, I mean older than ME–who’d worked at Edwards AFB and remembered the X-15 program. WOWSERS!
I got so excited that he walked away from the South County Historical Society table without paying. It wasn’t felonious, by the way. It’s just that both of us are hard of hearing.
But Boy Howdy, young people lightning struck twice! A nice Mom from Templeton emailed me asking if Cuesta offers a World War II class for credit.
They don’t, but since I’ve found ANOTHER teenager interested in history, I was, as we said back in the day, stoked.
So on the off-chance that anybody else is interested in this part of our history–of local history–here’s my reply to that very kind woman from Templeton.
I tend to be enthusiastic. Sorry.
Anyway, here’s my reply.
Well, this email made my day. I am so happy to hear of your son’s interest!
Cuesta College does not even offer an onsite class on World War II, but you might try this link to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. That might be worth a try for distance learning credit courses:
Distance Learning | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans (nationalww2museum.org)
Your son might have already seen these, but in appreciation for his interest, here are a few videos based on my books. I am sorry there are so many, but summer break’s coming up!
Best,
Jim
The American Cemetery above Omaha Beach:
https://youtu.be/i4ILEWNzaXc
A local paratrooper in Easy Company:
https://youtu.be/wq3AQV0ip6g
Louis Brown, USMC, and Iwo Jima:
Lady Moe, the Donkey, and the airmen who adopted her:
https://youtu.be/Lvm1HBByeLQ
Inspired by a Santa Maria airshow. World War II airmen and their planes:
https://youtu.be/6sGdI3AYIJk
Arroyo Grande and USS Arizona:
Al Spierling’s thirteenth mission:
https://youtu.be/wmG2o2dhIVY
Camp San Luis Obispo during World War II:
https://youtu.be/UQ8sxwnuYqA
A B-17 pilot and POW from Morro Bay:
https://youtu.be/h0hRoTCA03U
My Dad was in the Army and I’m kind of nutty about piston-driven airplanes, so sometimes I slight the Navy. Here are some blog posts to make up for that:
American Twilight: The Golden Gate Exposition of 1939 | A Work in Progress (wordpress.com)
The wreck at 20,000 feet | A Work in Progress (wordpress.com)
USS Nevada’s SLO County Connection | A Work in Progress (wordpress.com)
Devotion | A Work in Progress (wordpress.com)
The Lost Boy | A Work in Progress (wordpress.com)
A Work in Progress 