Today we’d like to introduce you to David VanHoof.
David, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My father was a career US Navy officer. As a youth, because of his assignments, we traveled all over the country. Everywhere we went, my siblings and I were constantly exposed to the history and beauty of the United States. Whenever we asked if we had ancestors at any location, we were told we were just “European mutts.” Despite this I continued my studies in American history, our laws, and our people. During my military career I discovered my mother had an incredible lineage, previously unknown. Upon retiring from the Marine Corps, and career as an attorney, I started to research and write biographies of American Revolution Patriots who subsequently migrated and buried in Michigan. These efforts resulted in two recently published books, “Revolutionary War Patriots of Jackson County, Michigan” and “Revolutionary War Patriots of South Central Michigan.” I also help Mantiou Films in producing the PBS documentary “Frontier to Freedom: Wilderness, Revolution and Michigan’s Path to Statehood” which was just released last month.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not so much obstacles, but rather recognizing opportunities, and when identified, maximizing that opportunity for oneself as well as those individuals around you striving towards the same goal.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My personal experience in the USMC as both an enlisted person as well as an officer, with two years in combat, combined with my graduate studies in American history, the law, has allowed me the insight to transcribe the histories of individual patriots found in official documents, into a format readers can understand, as well as enjoy. The books, Revolutionary War Patriots of Jackson County, Michigan and Revolutionary War Patriots of South Central Michigan describes the service of over fifty Patriots who had served during the American Revolution and subsequently pioneered early Michigan, living out their days here and making it their final resting place. Both are available on Amazon or on the publisher website.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Be a sponge. Absorb as much as you can from people which exist around you, and with thoughtful reflection, incorporate those traits you feel are positive and productive, while discarding those that are lacking.
Pricing:
- 25.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.w.vanhoof
