Waves of Hope

A well documented story of how one woman acted as a communication liaison for over 300 American POW families. Chock full of emotion and sincere thanks. Intertwined with local stories and her husband's amazing life of growing up in Nutley NJ. A must read for history buffs and those who are inspired by patriots stepping up and helping the country, warriors, and their families during war times.

I just finished reading Waves of Hope, by Ronald Edward Negra, detailing his mother, Agnes Joan Negra's , journey of service during WWII. While waiting to hear of her own husband and brother-in-laws fates, she listened nightly to shortwave broadcasts where American POW names and next of kin addresses were given. She wrote to hundreds of families with the good news that their loved one was alive, often more information than they had received to date. Waves of Hope details the heartwarming messages she received in return. This book took me back to another era, another time and setting, where people, whole communities, invested in serving one another. A wonderful read and reminder of the good one person can do.

This book tells the true story of a remarkable young wife and mother, Agnes Negra, during WWII. While she was raising her baby daughter, she was burdened with stress and worry for her husband, his two brothers and her two brothers who were all overseas fighting on various fronts. She knew first hand that when long periods of time would drag by without any letters from these soldiers and sailors, their loved ones suffered, but had to keep the faith and carry on, desperately wanting news; but only good news. Agnes Negra found a way to help many families in suspense through these trying times, and didn’t hesitate to spend her time in this noteworthy effort. Who knew that Radio Berlin would play a helpful role? The book is a time capsule that reveals a tiny but significant slice of several American families from all walks of life during the war, in a close and personal way. Agnes recalls with clarity how the war inspired many brave men to enlist and how their tight-knit communities banded together, having something quite new and different in common. Agnes’ caring and concern for other families is evident in her actions; and their acknowledgements sincerely convey their gratitude. It’s a time of American unity that we can only yearn for today. We learn that Agnes has already celebrated her 100th birthday and that her son, Ron, the author, surprised her with this publication. I believe there is an appetite for these kinds of stories, and I am hoping there are more that this wonderful family will share with us.

This is a great book about a part of WWII history that I was unaware of, specifically Radio Berlin broadcasting the names of American Prisoners of War. Agnes Negra,whose husband was seeing action in Europe, listened to these broadcasts ,via short wave radio, of names (and in some cases they actually let the prisoners speak).She then sent letters to the prisoners families to let them know there loved ones were still alive. You'll get to read the responses she received from the families. Very heartwarming. I wish my WWII veteran dad was still alive today so he could have read these letters (probably in tears).Ron Negra did a wonderful job of passing along his Mom's memories. Highly recommend.

This is a, well-told story of one woman’s unselfish effort to give hope to the families of American POWs. She gives intriguing details of the daily short wave radio broadcasts from Berlin that she used. She vividly describes the roller-coaster emotions of the people on the home front, who were hoping, praying, and agonizing for news of their loved ones, listed as Missing in Action. This is a powerful chronicle of events. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get a realistic sense of what waiting on the home front was like during the war. Congratulations to her son, who took his discovery of this story and turned it into an important record of history! Dick McLaughlin

I loved the book. It was well written and easy to read. I am grateful for people like Agnes, struggling with her own fears and constant worry, that she would reach out and help others find their loved ones. It is a wonderful tribute from a son to his mother, to tell her story and fill in a part of history that illustrates what makes America great.

A wonderful and heartfelt true story that took place during WWII. A young woman who took it upon herself keeps other families abreast of their soldier’s whereabouts.

Loved the story of a woman missing her husband at war occupying her time helping other families.She did this without looking for praise and keep it to herself until her son found the box of letters decades later. Remarkable!