Herma-Jozé Blaauwgeers was born in the Netherlands under inauspicious circumstances during the Hungerwinter of 1944, her father having been executed by the Nazis six months earlier on D-Day and the country's economy a shambles.

Her arrival into this world was not a welcome one. Herma's mother was still overcome with grief about the unexpected death of her husband and the harrowing winter took its toll on the population as World War II was at its worst.

Through many trials and tribulations did Herma-Jozé grow up. She became a child within a world of her own imagining, a world in which all was perfect and the family complete. Life's lessons imparted her the strength that gave her solace and the courage to live a full life, often in service to others.

Chance took her to a variety of locales and jobs, such as a comptroller of the US Army (Schweinfurt Milcom/Germany), an executive management position within a software development corporation in Virginia, and establishing a private practice as a personal coach and breathing/relaxation therapist.

In late 1999 she was asked to write a book about the life of her late father. At first she was hesitant but then realized that she owed her father at least an effort at his life story. Through many coincidences and spiritual help a wellspring of information became available for the book.

The book "Freedom isn't Free: The price was paid at D-Day" was presented to family members on June 6, 2004; 60 years after the execution of Hermanus Jozeph Blaauwgeers in the dunes near Overveen, the Netherlands.

Herma-Jozé continues the work to let the world know about the resistance, World War II and its aftermath and on the individuals and families who lost their loved ones. She has lived abroad for more than 35 years (20 years in Germany and 15 years in the USA). She returned to the Netherlands in 2002 to finish researching and writing "Freedom Is Not Free" and is currently serving as the Deputy Director of Finance for the Royal Netherlands Army.

Herma-Jozé is divorced, has two children and three grandchildren. She resides in the Hague, the Netherlands and is available for speeches and book signings.