Reviews
Reviews of Volume 1, 2025, The Civil War Edition
I would like to commend Putnam’s Post #13 and especially their Commander Michael Rocchetti for taking the initiative to write this book. He has created a literary work of enduring historical value. It is thoroughly researched and well documented. It is also very interesting to read the stories of these veterans, their valor, their selfless service, their sacrifices, and the exemplary lives they lived.
James A. LaCoursiere Jr. National Commander of The American Legion
"They were citizen soldiers who fought the good fight for a just cause.Thanks for reminding us about them. What an enormous debt of gratitude we owe them!"
Barney Seney - Mayor Putnam CT
"May these men from our community forever be seen as guiding lights, embodying the core values of Duty, Honor, and Country. We are so proud of them and their legacy."
Maureen Nicholson - First Selectman, Pomfret CT
"This amazing book tells stories that need to be told. What a great remembrance of a great generation fighting for a great cause."
Chandler Paquette - First Selectman, Woodstock CT
"Thank you for writing this book and preserving the memories of our Civil War Veterans. They gave so much, and because of them our nation is blessed."
Amy St Onge - First Selectman, Thompson CT
“Connecticut’s ‘quiet corner’ has a long and proud history of service to our great state and the nation stretching back to the American Revolution and beyond. In this book, Colonel (ret.) Rocchetti has captured so many incredible stories of Connecticut servicemembers during the Civil War. I applaud the hard work and dedication put into this book, as it’s through collections like this that our history will remain immortalized for future generations.” Disclaimer: the views presented are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components.
Major General Francis J. Evon, Jr. Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard.
Reviews of Volume 2, 2025, the WWII Purple Heart Edition
“Many of the stories are both disturbing and comforting. Disturbing in that we lost so many good men, but comforting to know that we had men like this among us who were willing to give everything they had for our great country.”
Norman “Barney” Seney, Mayor of Putnam CT
“A great history lesson and remembrance of the men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, the war to end all wars.”
Chandler Paquette, First Selectman, Woodstock CT
“Sadly, all too often veterans fade from the minds of those they served. These Hometown Heroes accounts give back the honor and respect these veterans deserve and remind us they should be honored every day.”
Linda Lemmon, Editor-Publisher, Putnam Town Crier & Northeast Ledger
“Wow, that is a great book! You have added such texture and context to what these men were facing. It truly makes them come alive off the pages. The care, compassion and respect you held for each man was wonderful. You know, having grown up in this area, so many of the names are families I know. This is a piece of their story. Pieces that don’t get spoken about or given voice often enough. I’m so thankful you took the journey to capture them.”
Mary T. Calorio, Town Manager, Town of Killingly CT
“It is a true honor to provide comments about the book, ‘Hometown Heroes of the Quiet Corner’ by Michael J. Rocchetti, Colonel, USAF Retired, Commander of American Legion Post #13 located in Putnam Connecticut. Mike did a remarkable job researching and collecting the stories of these American heroes that gave it all so we may experience the freedoms we enjoy every day in our great state and country. He gives you a real sense of the culture of the day, the weapons, equipment, material, the aircraft, ships, submarines and tactics employed to defeat a well-trained and determined enemy. Mike captures the short lives these service members lived and the significant impacts they had during their inspirational stories of bravery and selfless service on land, the sea and in the air during WWII. It is heartbreaking to read about the 110 significant losses these seven small, historic and patriotic towns endured in the Quiet Corner of Connecticut.”
Ron Welch, Brigadier General, US Army Retired, Commissioner, CT Department of Veteran Affairs.
“Hometown Heroes of the Quiet Corner Volume 2, the World War II "Purple Heart" Edition” is a moving tribute to the 110 brave service members from northeastern Connecticut who gave their lives during World War II. This powerful collection ensures that their stories and their sacrifices are never forgotten. It captures the deep sense of duty, patriotism, and community that defines the Quiet Corner. A lasting contribution to our state’s proud military history, this book honors the legacy of Connecticut’s fallen heroes with dignity and care." Disclaimer: the views presented are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components.
Major General Francis J. Evon, Jr. Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard.