A day in the life of a World War II GI

NORTH ENGLISH — If you’ve found yourself saying or thinking, “Young people just don’t care about history anymore,” or “Kids these days don’t understand the sacrifices that their ancestors made,” then this program is for you.

Caedyn Huston is a 15-year-old sophomore at Mid-Prairie High School in Wellman who has a passion for military history, specifically World War II, and he aims to show that young people can and do still have a passion for history.

Huston will be speaking at the English Valleys History Center Sunday, Sept. 22, at 2 p.m. at 108 N Main St. in North English.

Huston has taken his passion for history to the next level by participating in living history and re-enactment events where he can better understand what daily life was like for a World War II soldier.

Huston discovered at a very young age that he had some relatives who were active in World War II. He’s proud to say that he had a great-great-great uncle, Harry Shefchik, who is the most decorated soldier in the history of Tama County.

His great-great-uncle, Charles Polton, who was killed in action.

Huston’s family connection to these soldiers sparked an interest in learning more about them and their history. He researched all 54 of the servicemen from Washington County, Iowa who died while serving their country during World War II.

Huston’s research culminated in a 150-page book that details the stories of these men. He used this book as a Citizenship and Civil Engagement project for 4-H, and the book was selected for this year’s Iowa State Fair.

Huston was surprised to learn his book received one of 10 Future Discovery Awards. This award was voted on by faculty members from Iowa State University and comes with a $500 scholarship to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University.

Huston’s program in North English will have something for everyone. He plans to wear his full World War II combat uniform and will spend time sharing information about what daily life was like as a soldier.

Huston will also be sharing his book on Washington County’s World War II Heroes, and he’ll highlight two or three of the most interesting and harrowing stories that he discovered while writing his book.

Huston’s not new to presenting. He has done several programs with other organizations and has been selected for the Iowa State Fair on three occasions.

The public is invited to the History Center’s free event. Donations will be accepted.