Powers to sign books at historical society

A local veteran and author will be signing books at the Wittenberg Area Historical Museum on July 25.

John Powers, a Vietnam War veteran as well as a Wittenberg resident, will be available starting at 12:30 p.m. to talk with visitors and sign copies of his book, “Finnegan Found,” just before the 1-4 p.m. open house at the museum, 502 W. Summit St., Wittenberg.

“Finnegan Found” is the second book that Powers has written, the first being “Bean Camp to Briar’s Patch.” “Finnegan Found” is a historical fiction novel set during the Korean War and revolves around men in prisoner of war camps. Powers’ first book is also set in prisoner of water camps in both the Vietnam and Korean wars.

Powers said that he got the inspiration for writing the books from his wife’s father.

“He was a prisoner of war during the Korean War,” said Powers. “After the war when the guys held reunions, I would go and listen to them talk. I started to write the information down and I compiled it all together.”

Powers explained that he compiled the information and detailed it on a website he created — ww.northchinamarines.com. The website details history, reunions, letters, documents, books and awards.

Along with the book signing, the Wittenberg Area Historical Society will be hosting a military day, with letters and photos on display from veterans who live in the Wittenberg area.

“We are hosting something that includes Wittenberg ties,” Powers said. “This for people who want to learn more about military history from Wittenberg.”

He said that writing these books has meant a lot of him, as people have been complimenting him on his story telling and teaching.

“One guy read through the second book,” said Powers. “He said that he had learned something. That is what this is about.”

He added that people have given him positive feedback on the books and that they have realized the role that people in Wittenberg have played in the Vietnam and Korean wars.

“People tell me that it is interesting to realize the strong attachment that Wittenberg has with the United States military,” said Powers.

Powers believes that the historical society hosting the book signing event and the military day is positive for the museum.

“I am hoping that this event will help to bring more people into the museum and teach people about the military history with Wittenberg,” said Powers.

“Finnegan Found” is a 450-page book that has been positively honored. The book received a 2020 bronze award from the Foreword Indies organization in the war and military category.

Powers said that his books have met with a positive response, proved by the many reviews through Amazon.

The proceeds from the book signing will be donated back to the historical society as they continue to update their exhibits on military history.

lreimer@newmedia-wi.com