Book Description

Kevin Gaffney of St. Charles, is pleased to announce his book entitled, While They Were Young-A History of St. Charles and Her Service Personnel 1940-1945. After more than two years of research and writing, Kevin is pleased with the final product that includes 2 DVDs of additional photos. The book includes a history of St. Charles from 1940 including contributions of the citizenry prior and during WWII, the personal accounts of many soldiers and service personnel, letters from the front, and information pertaining to those wounded in action and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The book will be available for sale at the St. Charles Heritage Center (630-584-6967) starting January 23, 2010 with a portion of the sales being donated to the Center by the author. The author will be conducting book signings and donating a copy of the book and DVD to the St. Charles Heritage Center, St. Charles Library and to at least two families of veterans. The price of the book is as follows: hardcover $32.95, soft cover $22.95, e-book $6.00. The DVDs are $10.00 per DVD. Kevin currently works as an adjunct professor of criminology at Judson University and for the Office of Regional Counsel, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. His government experience also included work for the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Unit in Chicago and the CFTC, Enforcement Division, in Washington, DC. He has taught U.S. History at two Christian high schools. He received his BA in political science from Stetson University and his MPA in public administration from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Kevin also has recorded professionally two CDs of trumpet music. Sony Music has included his version of the Star Spangled Banner in its recording selection, "Bonds Listen to This". Kevin serves on the St. Charles Heritage Board of Directors as Vice-President and also with the St. Charles Park Foundation. He has a passion to tell the stories of service personnel from not only WWII, but of other wars as they relate to St. Charles. Kevin currently resides with his family in St. Charles, Illinois, where he was born. His next book, to be published in the near distant future, will tell the story of St. Charles and her service personnel during WWI. He is also compiling additional material of WWII letters that will compliment the current title in another book also to be available next year. Requests for book signings and presentations pertaining to the book may be made by calling Kevin at 630-584-4797.