Waves of Hope: The Inspirational Story of Agnes Negra

Meet the Author of an Inspiring WWII Tale at Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library

During World War II, a tech-savvy New Jersey woman took it upon herself to be a priceless information provider for families of captured U.S. service members. Agnes Joan Negra’s exploits are chronicled in the book Waves of Hope. Meet her son Ronald Edward Negra, the author, at several branches of the Ocean County Library this April.

Ronald and his wife Valerie will discuss his mother’s inspirational tale, lovingly written from her own vivid recollections in Waves of Hope, available at the Ocean County Library.

Then as now, parents, spouses, children, and relatives sought any information they could find about their men and women in uniform – whether they were safe, or even alive. This newly married wife and mother was no different. Her husband August suffered wounds in the Battle of the Bulge and was Missing in Action.

Sitting by her shortwave radio in her Nutley home, Agnes monitored Radio Berlin’s nightly recitation of captured US military members. She sought news of her husband – but listened for more than that. She began notating all the names. Then she personally contacted the families of each one by mail. Often, her letters were the first word that families received.

In Ronald’s book, she recounts the turmoil of families on the home front, the spirit of hope they gained from her messages, and the exhilaration of reuniting with her husband. Autographed copies of Waves of Hope will be available for purchase following the program.