On Thursday, January 14th, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. at the Miner’s Roadhouse 140 in Mariposa, CA, the Mariposa AAUW (American Association of University Women) will host a talk by William T. Yaley about his book Struggle to Survive, an historical novel about the courageous men and women who rescued some 2500 babies and orphans in “Operation Babylift” in the last days of the Vietnam War. The talk will be followed by a short video, with time for questions afterward.

The story is told through the eyes and flashbacks of an American combat veteran, John Ellis, who returns to Vietnam as a social worker intent on saving the children, especially those who are part Vietnamese and part American. After the North Vietnamese takeover, these orphans would have likely been killed or left to die. Ellis works with a group of nuns whose orphanage is near Saigon. Every day is filled with danger and drama.  This is a story of danger, hope, and bravery.

William T. Yaley is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a veteran of the Vietnam War. He and his wife, Arlene, have raised six children, one of whom arrived in America on the Babylift in 1975. The Yaleys have lived in Mariposa for the past thirty-eight years.

This talk is part of a series of educational programs offered by Mariposa AAUW. This event is free and open to the public. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at a cost of $20.

AAUW is a national organization dedicated to lifelong learning and advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. The Mariposa branch has over 90 members who organize local projects such as Tech Trek, a weeklong science camp for girls, a Speech Trek speech contest, the Backpack Project to provide needed school supplies, and Dinner with a Scientist, an evening at UC Merced for girls interested in scientific careers.

To learn more, visit: www.aauwmariposa.com.