Veteran donates books to SWCSD No. 2

Harry Holler, an 82-year-old veteran from Green River, always likes to give back where he can. So a few months ago when he was looking for a good home for a collection of books, he decided to donate them to Sweetwater County School District No. 2. 

"They'll last several generations if they're well taken care of," Holler said of the books. "And the pictures were beautiful." 

The books were ones Holler had collected over the years, many of which were leather-bound editions and good quality. 

"I studied a lot of history, so a lot of them were history books," he explained. 

Thinking to the future, Holler wanted to ensure that the books wouldn't be thrown away but would continue to be used and shared.

Holler's donation was appreciated by the school district, especially by Curriculum Director Greg Figenser, who visited Holler multiple times to collect what he estimated to be close to 100 books worth thousands of dollars. 

"It was a great donation to the school district, and we're just trying to get those books into the hands of some people who could really enjoy them," Figenser said. "Honestly, I've probably read a number of them already." 

The books are currently organized in a bookcase, Figenser explained, and can be used in a sort of library-system way. Those who are interested in the books are welcome to check them out and then return them once they're done reading. Figenser has already had several people in the district use the books, and he said there are about eight books currently checked out. 

"From Genghis Khan to the Roman Empire to World War II, there's just all kinds of different things," Figenser explained. "They're great reference materials to give a little bit of a different perspective, maybe in a history class or a book study." 

But the books themselves, while a great resource, aren't even as meaningful as the generous spirit behind them. 

"The most important thing to me was not so much the books, it was that Harry, when he wanted to donate them, he didn't want anything for it," Figenser said. "It was just a very nice donation. He's just a great guy. And it just was a show of the type of person we have in our community. And that was to me every bit as important and as valuable as the books."

Holler's generosity wasn't limited to the donation to the school district. He has also previously donated some of his books to the Sweetwater County Library System. He said he didn't mind whether the books were sold or used in the collection, as long as they help the library and the community. 

In addition to these donations, Holler has also done several projects to help honor and give back to veterans, law enforcement, and first responders. One of the biggest projects Holler completed was giving American flags to organizations including the Wyoming Highway Patrol and local law enforcement and government agencies. Holler was even recognized by US Senator John Barrasso for his efforts, but he said he doesn't do it looking for recognition. 

"I'm just an old man doing the best he can for his city and state and his country," Holler said.