About the Author

Ronald Edward Negra, a Nutley, NJ native, was born on November 9, 1947.

Ron, author of “Waves of Hope,” was inspired by his mother, Agnes Joan Negra, after learning of her extraordinary role in World War II, communicating with families of American soldiers as their loved ones were captured and became Prisoners of War. His mother always believed it was important for Americans to understand the sacrifices of these men and the emotions they and their families experienced, of fear, anxiety, sadness, and hope.

Ron holds a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Masters Degree in Business Management and Marketing. He retired as an Executive after working in the medical industry.

He also enjoys writing about genealogy, and has authored several books on the subject.

Ron is married to his wife Valerie and lives in New Jersey.

Waves of Hope

Through the vivid memories of Agnes Joan Negra, currently at the 102-year milestone of life, travel back to hear the expressions of American World War II prisoner of war mothers, fathers, wives, sisters, and brothers as they wonder whether their loved ones are alive while searching for word—any word—about the fate of their soldiers.

This true story is documented by handwritten letters and postcards from these American families. Using a shortwave radio during World War II, the newlywed wife of an American soldier becomes one of the only communication links to the families of American prisoners of war as they struggle with anxiety, fear, and heart-wrenching emotions worrying about the fate of their captured sons, husbands, and brothers.

A young wife and mother when her husband went into battle and was wounded in the Rhineland campaign in 1944, she shares her memories about the turmoil for American families as their spirit of hope is bolstered by the words of a woman and her shortwave radio.

As the son of Agnes Joan Negra, the author interviewed his mother about her memories of this emotional period of the war. Through reading the many letters and postcards written by American families to her, he became passionate about sharing this story that affected the lives of many Americans.

In addition, for her efforts, the Daughters of the American Revolution have selected “Waves of Hope” to be included in their National Library in Washington, D.C., and have awarded Agnes Joan Negra their prestigious DAR “Women in American History” Medal. Agnes has also been named a “Homefront Hero” at the National World War II Memorial, in Washington D.C.

Ron and Agnes were recently highlighted on both News12 New Jersey, and CBS News, NY.

Order the book today!

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“Love the telling of Agnes Joan Negra’s story by her son Ronald. The images of handwritten letters and postcards bring to life the emotions of families hearing positive news of their deployed family members. Thank you Agnes for your unselfish service to families of servicemen and to your son for sharing your heartwarming story.” Kim L. Defibaugh, Ed.d
Regent, Williamsburg Chapter, NSDAR⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Waves of Hope is a beautifully written account of the turmoil during WWII as witnessed by Agnes Joan Negra, a truly remarkable woman. Once you begin reading this book, you will not be able to put it down. I recommend it highly!!!”
Roe E. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“This is a book about a part of WWII history that I was unaware of, specifically Radio Berlin broadcasting the names of American prisoners of War. Agnes Negra, whose husband was seeing action in Europe, listened to these broadcasts via short wave Radio, of names of prisoners. She then sent letters to the prisoners families to let them know their loved ones were still alive. You’ll get to read the responses she received from the families. Very Heartwarming. I wish my WWII veteran dad was still alive today so he could have read these letters (probably in tears). Ron Negra did a wonderful job of passing along his mom’s memories. Highly Recommend.”
Steve D.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Contact the author, Ron Negra at

ronnegra@comcast.net