West Florida News

U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has announced a new interview in the Veterans History Project Series, which highlights the accomplishments and military careers of veterans from Florida’s 17th District. The latest interview features United States Navy veteran Al Harring.

“United States Navy veteran Al Harring is a true patriot, and I am thankful for his service to this great nation during the Vietnam-era. His testimony is a valuable addition to the Veterans History Project and will certainly inspire Americans for generations to come,” said Congressman Steube.

During the interview, US Navy veteran Al Harring reflected on his time in service: “When I joined the Navy in April 1962, I never realized the benefits that I would have in my later years of life […] well I loved the Navy, I really did.” He added, “I am proud to be an American and I am proud to be a veteran.”

The full interview can be viewed on Congressman Steube’s YouTube channel. Future interviews will also be available on this platform.

Congressman Steube's office will submit Harring's interview to the Veterans History Project (VHP), an initiative by the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center aimed at collecting and preserving oral histories of U.S. veterans.

Started in 2000, the VHP collects personal accounts from United States military veterans and Gold Star Families so future generations can hear directly from those who served. Researchers, scholars, and educators use VHP collections as primary sources. These collections include oral histories, photographs, manuscripts, and other original materials that supplement historical texts and cultural resources. Veterans from all branches and ranks who served from World War I through recent conflicts are eligible to participate.

For more information on participating in the VHP or if you live in Florida’s 17th Congressional district, please visit https://steube.house.gov/services/vhp or https://www.loc.gov/vets/.