About the Project
Meet Gary Laine
Gary Laine is a retired dentist with specialized training in comprehensive and prosthodontic care. Throughout his career, he earned certifications in Advanced Prosthodontics and Maxillofacial Prosthetics, helping countless patients restore both function and confidence.
After a successful career in dentistry spanning several decades, Gary turned his attention and meticulous eye to documentary photography. His passion for capturing stories through images and interviews led to the creation of the American War Survivors Project.
Today, Gary focuses his talents on documenting the survivors of major military conflicts, with special attention to the dwindling number of World War II veterans whose stories risk being lost to time. Through these intimate interviews, he creates a living archive that honors their service and preserves their experiences for future generations.
About the American War Survivors Project
The American War Survivors Project began in 2018 as Gary's personal mission to preserve the firsthand accounts of veterans from various American conflicts. What started as a small collection of interviews has grown into a comprehensive archive documenting the personal experiences of those who served in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and more recent conflicts.
Each interview captures not just the facts of military service, but the human stories behind them - the fears, the camaraderie, the hardships, and the moments of both tragedy and triumph. By recording these accounts, the project creates a bridge between generations, helping younger Americans understand the realities of war through those who lived it.
Unlike formal historical archives, the American War Survivors Project focuses on the personal and emotional dimensions of veterans' experiences, offering an intimate window into history that textbooks alone cannot provide.
The Importance of Documentation
Every day, we lose more veterans, particularly from World War II and the Korean War. With each passing, we lose their unique perspectives and memories. The American War Survivors Project works against time to ensure these valuable accounts are not lost forever.
Our Approach
Each interview is conducted with dignity and respect for the veteran's experiences. Gary creates a comfortable environment where veterans can share at their own pace, focusing on what they feel is important to convey. These interviews are then carefully preserved through video recordings, transcriptions, and photographic portraits.
The project makes these interviews accessible through this digital archive, ensuring that families, researchers, educators, and the general public can benefit from these firsthand accounts for generations to come.
Support the Project
The American War Survivors Project continues to grow through the support of volunteers, organizations, and individual donors who recognize the importance of preserving these irreplaceable stories.
If you are interested in contributing to the project, whether through financial support, suggesting veterans to interview, or volunteering your time, please visit our Contribute page or contact us directly.