9/12 Oral History Project

Share Your Story

The Air Force Historical Foundation’s “9/12 Project” mission is to collect and preserve the personal voices, stories, and perspectives of Airmen, Guardians, DoD Civilians, and Dependents beginning on September 12, 2001, through the end of the War in Afghanistan. These stories will serve as a record of detailed experiences helping to preserve individual histories and serve as a scholarly and educational resource for various audiences to have a better glimpse into the 20-year War both at home and abroad.

To accomplish this mission, we are asking for your participation. You can be a part of this impactful project by recording your personal narrative in the comfort of your home or office. These video recordings are to be candid stories by individual participants recorded on your own devices, as opposed to highly structured interviews.

These stories will then be made accessible to the public through various outlets, including the Air Force Historical Foundation’s Digital Archive, featured stories on our website, highlighted stories on select social media channels, and personal accounts and collections with our Museum Partners.

We hope you will consider participating, and we look forward to hearing your story!

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PROJECT TOOLKIT

9/12 Oral History Projects

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To participate or for questions related to the “9/12 Project,” please contact the Air Force Historical Foundation, or visit our Project Toolkit for more information.

All “9/12 Oral History Project” submissions must be accompanied by the “9/12 Project” Video Consent/Submission Form.

Please contact us regarding questions surrounding the 9/12 Project or Project Submission
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9/12 Project Toolkit

Recording Tips

“9/12 Project” Oral Histories are recorded personal narratives documented in the comfort of your home or office. The video recordings are to be candid stories by individual participants recorded on your own devices, as opposed to highly structured interviews.

Participants should use the highest quality recording equipment available to them. In most cases, an internal camera/camera app for video recordings should suffice. Video recordings should be under 60 minutes (minimum length of 5 minutes) and no more than 3GB in file size. Recorded videos should be in the preferred .MP4 or .MOV file formats shot on a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

In an effort to be sure your video is the highest quality product for intended viewers, please consider the following:

  • Verify all operating systems, camera, and video apps are up to date.
  • Verify all recording device settings are optimized for lengthy video capture, but do not sacrifice video quality in doing so. For example, it is better to have a Part I and Part II of your video if needed, as opposed to a low-resolution recording.
  • Verify you have enough storage space available on your device’s hard drive/the cloud prior to recording.
  • Video/camera apps on most mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, laptops) are acceptable applications for video capture. If utilizing a tablet or smartphone, a stand is recommended for stability.
  • Check battery life on all equipment and/or connect to an external power source prior to recording.
  • Headsets/headphones are recommended to help eliminate background noise and distortion. External microphones are recommended but not required.
  • Set up all equipment and conduct a small test video with lighting and sound check prior to filming to be sure the volume settings are correct and there are no echoes.
  • Develop a quick 1-page reference of “Talking Points” that covers the main subjects you would like to discuss, along with key timelines of events, roles held, personal stories, etc.
  • Position the camera to capture the face/upper body.
  • Utilize a stable chair so there is no swiveling or rocking during the recording.
  • Conduct recording in a quiet, indoor location. Verify all phone, tablet, computer, and watch notifications are on silent mode.
  • Record in an area of the home or office free of chiming clocks, heating and cooling systems, televisions/radios, kitchen/common area noises, or loud street noise.
  • Be sure all pets are secure, so as not to disrupt the recording.
  • Refrain from filming in common areas with busy/cluttered backgrounds (e.g., kitchens or living rooms) or in front of windows.
  • Be sure the room is lit appropriately, so the video image does not appear distorted and so there are no shadows casting on the face (a ring light or a lamp with its shade off in close proximity can help illuminate the face appropriately).
  • If possible, refrain from clothing with heavy designs/logos, hats, or face coverings as they can be a distraction to the viewer.
  • Be sure to review your recording in full prior to submission to be sure both video and audio are clear.
  • Review our Video Production and Submission Guidelines prior to submission to be sure you are adhering to acceptable file formats and video length/file size.
  • Be sure to submit the “9/12 Project” Video Consent/Submission Form with your recording.
Video Production and Submission Guidelines

Participants should use the highest quality recording equipment available to them. In most cases, an internal camera/camera app for video recordings should suffice.

  • Video Introduction: Full Name/Rank/Title, Dates of Involvement, Roles Held
  • Format: Preferred .MP4 or .MOV file format shot on computer, tablet, or smartphone.
  • Video Length/File Size: Video recordings should be under 60 minutes in length with a minimum length of 5 minutes and no more than 3GB in total file size.

Participants will be required to submit the “9/12 Project” Video Consent/Submission Form with their corresponding recording. Questions, forms, and compressed videos can be emailed to kristin@afhistory.org.

NOTE: Please name your file with the format, 9/12_FirstnameLastname (example: 9/12_JohnSmith).

Larger Files:
For larger file submissions, these files will need to be submitted via the Air Force Historical Foundation’s BOX account or through alternate file share devices where the Foundation is provided access for downloads. Details for access to the Air Force Historical Foundation’s BOX account can be found within the Video Consent/Submission Form.

Frequently Asked Questions
Oral histories are collections of historical information, typically in the form of personal stories and accounts related to specific time periods or historical events. For the purpose of the 9/12 Project, we are focused on pre-recorded video submissions related to the conflict in Afghanistan.
Oral histories help us not only learn from the past but help us preserve the voices, stories, and perspectives of individuals throughout a specific time in history. Eyewitnesses to these periods often provide varying perspectives and new viewpoints correlating to documented history.
For the purposes of the 9/12 Project, participants should include Airmen, Guardians, DoD civilians, spouses, and dependents who had direct or indirect involvement with the conflict in Afghanistan, both at home and abroad.
Please see our Project Toolkit for more information on the specific details related to involvement. To participate, you will simply provide a recorded video of your story. Please keep in mind all submitted material must be “unclassified” content. Specific details related to video submission can be found on our website.
No, you do not need professional recording equipment to participate. Our Project Toolkit outlines the specific details related to submission. All video recordings should be in the preferred .MP4 or .MOV file formats shot on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. In most cases, an internal camera/camera app for video recordings should suffice. All video recordings should be under 60 minutes (minimum length of 5 minutes) and no more than 3GB in file size.

The best way to prepare for your recording is to develop a list of talking points that chronologically outline the various topics you would like to cover. Topics will vary based on the individual and may discuss time periods, assignments and roles held, personal stories related to your involvement, personal stories as a spouse back home, etc.

Please be sure any materials submitted are suitable for various audiences and that all submissions are respectful, utilizing appropriate language, tone, and subject matter.

All 9/12 Project recordings can be submitted through the Video Consent/Submission form on our website. Should you have any questions regarding submission, please reach out via our “Questions” link on the 9/12 Project page.

9/12 Project oral histories will be visible on the Air Force Historical Foundation’s website, social media channels, Digital Archives, and through the Foundation’s newly formed Museum Partnerships Program.

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