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I immediately had success and located the WWII soldier first in line, a man named Joe Settimio. He did indeed make it home, and was still in his hometown in West Virginia. When I called his number his wife answered. I told her what had happened to me out in California. I was looking for the man in the portrait. She said, “That would be my husband Joe. Hold on- he’s just arrived at the door.” Joe got on the phone, instantly recalling Rosabelle, “ petite gal- from Minnesota.”, he said. I told him about the portrait and that I wanted to send him a copy. |
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Joe and I had a long conversation that afternoon. He was able to share his experiences from the war with me. I found his story very interesting. As he was telling me of his time of service in New Guinea I could see the images clearly in my mind. In the months following that first conversation and still today we continue to correspond. Joe did later remember the time Rosabelle sketched his likeness. Joe and his wife Gerri are most grateful for the portrait and my efforts to contact them. They are special people who represent the greatest generation well. I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to know them. After finding Joe, I realized I could make a difference in more of these veterans lives, so I embarked on a mission to return as many portraits as possible. Again, I felt called to this. Another portrait Rosabelle painted was that of a soldier, Bill Ward, from Chester, Pennsylvania. I contacted the local newspaper, telling them of my efforts. “The Delaware County Times” not only ran the story on the front page of their morning edition, but printed the full sized color portrait alongside. On a Monday, a man working at an oil company was handed the newspaper by a co-worker. The face on the cover page was the father he had not seen or heard from in 35 years. Through Rosabelle, I was able to help a son fill in the blanks of the past three decades. Thus far I have found four of the twelve soldiers among the collection. In addition to Joe and Bill I found the families of veterans Howard Munns and Tony Dawes. I am still looking for the soldiers listed below or their families. These men would have served in the Pacific 1944-45 in New Guinea. The name and hometown (where the soldier left from) is on some of the portraits. Walter Gray- Baltimore, Maryland We lose 1,200 WWII veterans a day. Their stories are important. Their service to our country must be remembered. I welcome any and all connections my readers might make via historical venues, media, veterans groups as they are vitally important to the continuation of this endeavor. Please pass it on. Go to the contact page to see Portraits from War “The Presentation.” Bring the live story to your group or event.
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