VIDEO: Local Veteran's Story of Survival
87-year-old Jimmy Arsenault's new collective memoir sheds light on how he and 38 other P.O.W.'s survived work camp together.
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It was 1945 in a Nazi war camp when local resident, Jimmy Arsenault, and 38 other prisoners-of-war decided that if they made it out, they'd tell their story.
More than 60 years later, that dream has finally become a reality with the new book, "Brothers of War: The P.O.W. Experience." The book tells how the 39 P.O.W.s all made it out alive together.
Since the mid-1970s, Arsenault has had yearly gatherings with the survivors where they shared stories of their harrowing year behind enemy lines. Today, only three remain alive.
Arsenault says he was spurred on to finish the book as he got older. The dream became a reality when the 87-year-old veteran met ghostwriter Nancy Parsons who helped put the collective memoir of the 39 survivors together.
All of the book's profits will go to aid local veterans' services. The book is on sale at the Senior Center, Carr's Hallmark, and Ryers Store.
Gay Luoto
10:02 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Can't wait to read it! I've heard it is quite a page turner.
G. Baxter Luoto
Julian Rawle
10:47 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
He tells his story so well. I am going to get the book and read selected passages to my kids so they understand the horrors of war.
Les Masterson
10:52 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
What a great idea, Julian!
Mary Salerno
11:19 am on Thursday, May 5, 2011
It was such a pleasure talking with Jimmy about my dad (Joseph Ruggiero) who was a POW with him and 37 other brave men. My dad,now deceased never talked about his POW experience much. After reading the harsh conditions these men survived, I can understand why. Thank you Jimmy and the other men that contributed to these memoirs. So proud of my dad and all these amazing men.
Mary (Ruggiero) Salerno
Jack Mac Donald
12:32 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
I want to get this book and have Jimmy autograph it for me. When will he have his speaking
engagements at the various places?
Jack Mac Donald
Joe Veno
8:27 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
These men lived through Hell. I was in Vietnam but never went through anything like these men did. I know how upset I get when I see someone burn or disgrace our flag. I can't imagine how upset these men get when they see that.
GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU MEN WHO LIVED THROUGH THIS.
Scarlett Erdley
7:29 pm on Monday, May 9, 2011
Thank you Jimmy for compiling this book, so your stories will never be forgotten. My dad, Ralph Ammon died this past February and was one of the "brothers of war". He didn't talk much about the experience when I was little. As I grew older, he only talked about how they filled their days in captivity. He never spoke of the horrors of war. Now that he is gone, I'm glad to have a copy of this book. He started a veterans day program at our local high school, so students would hear the veterans stories. That was 17 years ago. He was very proud to be a part of that.
Scarlett Erdley
Ralph Ammon's daughter
Edna M. Ammon
2:37 pm on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Hi Jimmy,
Thank you for finally getting this book published. As you know, through the years, we talked about a book so everyone would know about all the pain and heartache you prisoners had to endure. I feel so sad that my husband, Ralph Ammon, did not get to read the final copy of this book but he did contribute information that you have included in The Brothers of War. Ralph expired 02-11-11. I pray that our children, grandchildren and on down the line will never have to live captured like you
fellows. Bless the three (3) P.O.W.'s still living out of "39".
Love Edna Ammon, wife of Ralph Ammon, P.O.W.