The National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF), in partnership with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, conducted four interviews during the 2026 NCRA Conference & Expo in Bellevue, Wash., last month, giving veterans an opportunity to preserve their firsthand accounts of military service for future generations of family members, historians, and researchers.
“It was a privilege to host another successful Veterans Oral History Day, this time in Bellevue, Wash., and to help ensure these remarkable stories of courage and service are preserved through the Library of Congress Veterans History Project,” said NCRF Chair Meredith Bonn, RPR, CRR.
The Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP) liaison Kerry Ward attended the NCRA Conference and assisted with these veteran interviews. She also presented a breakout session highlighting the VHP and the Foundation’s long-standing partnership with the program. In addition, Ward interviewed the veterans about why they chose to participate in the Foundation’s oral history project. Their responses will be considered for inclusion in an upcoming Veterans History Project documentary currently in production.
Trustee Janine Ferren, RMR, CRR, arranged this year’s veteran invitations through her military connections. Other VHP volunteers were recruited by former Trustee Lance Boardman, RDR, CRR, who has organized the volunteer schedule for the past three years. Jill Parker Landsman, NCRF Director, and Alex Vlahopoulos, NCRF Manager, were instrumental in coordinating the event and maintaining communication with the veterans.
Conducted in the Conference’s host hotel, the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, the interviews captured the veterans’ military experiences, reflections, and personal histories.
James Beatty – Everett, Wash.
The first interview featured James Beatty of Everett, Wash., who shared his experiences of military service during a one-on-one interview conducted by Holly Draper, RPR, president of the Washington Court Reporters Association (WCRA). Court reporter Renee Ogden, RPR, wrote the stenographic record while Andrea Kreutz, CLVS, served as videographer, capturing both the conversation and the written record for the Library of Congress archive.
Dr. Jordan Houghton – Seattle, Wash.
Dr. Jordan Houghton of Seattle, Wash., participated in his Veterans History Project interview with Angie Sundell, RDR, CRR, CRC, serving as interviewer. Jennifer (Jenny) Melius, RPR, wrote the stenographic record, while Kreutz once again documented the interview on video. Together, the team helped preserve Dr. Houghton’s personal account of military service for future researchers, historians, and family members.
Stanley Gunno – Sammamish, Wash.
Stanley Gunno of Sammamish, Wash., shared his military experiences on Zoom with interviewer Janine Ferren, RMR, CRR. Veteran court reporter Ron Cook, FAPR, RDR, CRR, CRC, produced the transcript via Zoom, while Julie Butcher served as videographer, recording the remote interview, and Kreutz provided additional videography support.
Thomas Knudsen – Seattle, Wash.
The final interview of the day featured Thomas Knudsen of Seattle, Wash., who reflected on his military service during a conversation with interviewer Therese Pichette. Patricia (Patsy) Jacoy, RPR, CRR, served as the court reporter, creating the official transcript, while Kreutz completed the day’s recording efforts as videographer.
NCRF extends its deepest gratitude to James Beatty, Dr. Jordan Houghton, Stanley Gunno, and Thomas Knudsen for generously sharing their stories of service. The Foundation also thanks the Washington Court Reporters Association volunteers and every participant who made this year’s Veterans History Project a success. Their collective efforts ensure these personal histories will continue to educate, inspire, and honor the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans for generations to come.
Learn more about the Veterans History Project.
For questions or more information, contact NCRF Director Jill Parker Landsman at jlandsman@ncra.org or NCRF Manager Alex Vlahopoulos at avlahopoulos@ncra.org.
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