Professor to take guests on World War II odyssey

California Lutheran University professor emeritus Lyle Sladek, a World War II veteran, will recreate his wartime experiences in an event at 1:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 8 at Grant Brimhall/ Thousand Oaks Library, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

His daughter, Karen Sladek, who wrote an account of her father's life in a book titled "Lucky Stars and Gold Bars" utilizing the 400 letters Lyle Sladek wrote home during his service, will also be in attendance.

The elder Sladek will read some of his original letters as well as field questions from audience members.

His daughter's book is described by a library spokesperson as a "heartwarming family saga set at the time America emerged from the Great Depression and moved into the throes of World War II, told through Lt. Sladek's letters to his parents."

Lyle Sladek grew up on a South Dakota farm. Three months into college the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred. He joined the Army Air Corps. Following Yale Technical Training Command he was commissioned a second lieutenant. He served as a cryptographic security and intelligence officer in the China-Burma-India, European and Mediterranean theaters of war.

Karen Sladek compiled the letters her father sent home from five continents that express "the dreams and sacrifices of his family and bring the historical events of an epic era to life," according to the library spokesperson.

Admission is free. For more information call (805) 449-2660,