Local author, veteran keeping history alive

By Leah Rainwater

Milt Toratti has been writing biographies for veterans since he was 13.

With over 150-plus books written and constructed over 69 years, Toratti believes everyone has a story.

“Everybody has a story, I don’t care who it is,” said Toratti, a retired army colonel and Vietnam veteran. “Young people today, believe that a war like Vietnam is ancient history … really ancient history … and it’s not that long ago.”

When it comes to finding sources, Tortatti said they usually come to him.

“When they’re ready to talk, or they call me and say, ‘Hey, let’s go on, sit and talk some more,’ you pick ‘em up.”

Jack Hager’s story is one of Toratti’s numerous books, called ”Captured by Grace.”

Hager, who has a tale of kinds, said Toratti was easy to talk to.

“He’s a tremendous interviewer. Pulled some stuff out, not pulled in an uncomfortable way,” said Hager. “… But brought stuff to mind that I hadn’t thought of in forever, because he’s been there, done that.”

Hager met Toratti at a garage sale shortly after and knew it was time to tell his story.

This year, Toratti has been able to get some of his books in the history departments of all Northwest Missouri high schools, and has toured through St. Joseph to sell a few of his collections.

The proceeds collected from Toratti’s sales will go toward the Cameron Veteran’s Home.

So far, Toratti has raised about $4,900, with a goal of $5,000, which he believes he can exceed during his next four tour stops.

Toratti’s next book, “Faith Conquers through Courage Tested,” will be published in November.

Until then, he has his tour and almost more than 20 more books to write.