We had the good fortune of connecting with Neil Gallagher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Neil, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Being able to talk to anyone is crucial to achieving our goal. When I started interviewing these veterans, I was a timid 12-year-old. Learning to approach these heroes was very intimidating, but their kindness toward me allowed me to approach future interactions much more easily. Being able to keep the conversation going is also very helpful for these interviews, as I will often run into subjects that the veteran no longer remembers or does not wish to discuss. Being able to take the conversation in a new direction is vital in these situations.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Preserving the Stories is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the oral histories of World War Two, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans. We started this initiative in 2008 and have since interviewed over 150 veterans nationwide and on three continents. We are in a race against time to preserve the legacies of these veterans before their history is lost to time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I think this goes without saying, but I believe we have some incredible museums in the area, which would be an absolute must to visit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
None of these interviews would be possible if not for these heroes’ willingness to share their experiences with me. I must also thank their families who made these interviews possible. I would also like to thank my mother who never hesitated to drive me to these interviews when I was too young to drive myself.

Website: https://www.preservingthestories.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preservingthestories/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilhgallagher/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RememberThemPTS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/preservingthestories

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@preservingthestories

Other: https://www.neilgallaghertampa.com/

Image Credits
Neil Gallagher

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