Co-Producer
In this heartfelt short film by Daniel Leonard Bernardi, Roosevelt Farrow, born in 1929 at the start of the Great Depression, shares his lifelong dream of becoming a U.S. Marine, despite the racial barriers of his time. Raised by his grandmother in humble conditions, he was inspired by the sight of Marines visiting his community. Farrow's determination led him to join the Marine Corps, where he faced the challenges of Montford Point boot camp and eventually became an expert marksman and retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant. Although he never saw combat due, in his view, to his beloved wife's prayers, he realized the significance of his journey when he witnessed black officers rising in the ranks. Farrow's story is a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of one's dreams, encouraging others not to give up on their aspirations despite austere beginnings and social injustice.
Consulting Producer
In a profound exploration of faith, service, and identity, this documentary film follows Brenda Elizabeth Threat, an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a military chaplain in the California State Guard. Born in Los Angeles, Threat's story is a captivating tapestry of her spiritual journey, her tireless advocacy for veterans, her innovative response to 9/11, and her reflections on race and personal integrity. Her life is a testament to the power of perseverance, love, and community. Guided by a commitment to education and a mission to help others be the best they can be, her story is a soul-stirring reminder that each of us has the potential to make the world a better place, one good deed at a time.
Consulting Producer
In a time when America was on the brink of modernization, Carson "Skeeter" Bigbee emerged from rural Oregon to become an embodiment of national transformation. Born to working parents in 1895, Bigbee’s life as a multi-sport athlete, a baseball star with the Pittsburgh Pirates, a World War I enlistee, and a World Series hero, intersected with America's Progressive Era, the electrification of society, the First World War, and the onset of the Great Depression. His story, from hitting the decisive run in the 1925 World Series to managing in the American Girls Professional Baseball League, is a poignant reflection of ambition, patriotism, and the resilient spirit of an ever-changing nation in the early 20th Century.
Producer
In this dynamic and dramatic short film, an African American veteran takes us on an extraordinary journey through his life. From a chance visit to the Pentagon, to growing up in a vibrant integrated neighborhood, his story is one of resilience and inspiration. Fueled by the determination to seize educational opportunities, he enlists just in time to experience the racial divisions of his era before Truman desegregates the military. Thrust into the brutality of the Korean War, the weight of combat becomes an indelible part of his soul. Returning home, he embarks on a new path as an architect and discovers unexpected connections in far-off Pakistan. As his family expands, his sons reflect on the man who raised them and the legacy he instilled. This film unearths the essence of the Black experience in the early 20th century, paints a vivid portrait of the Chosin Reservoir, and unravels the intricate tapestry of race, family, and personal growth.
Writer
In this dynamic and dramatic short film, an African American veteran takes us on an extraordinary journey through his life. From a chance visit to the Pentagon, to growing up in a vibrant integrated neighborhood, his story is one of resilience and inspiration. Fueled by the determination to seize educational opportunities, he enlists just in time to experience the racial divisions of his era before Truman desegregates the military. Thrust into the brutality of the Korean War, the weight of combat becomes an indelible part of his soul. Returning home, he embarks on a new path as an architect and discovers unexpected connections in far-off Pakistan. As his family expands, his sons reflect on the man who raised them and the legacy he instilled. This film unearths the essence of the Black experience in the early 20th century, paints a vivid portrait of the Chosin Reservoir, and unravels the intricate tapestry of race, family, and personal growth.
Producer
The Jock: a Montford Point Marine unveils the harrowing yet inspiring journey of an American Marine from the segregated boot camp of Montford Point, North Carolina. Raised on the tough streets of Philadelphia, Dave Culmer is drawn to the Marines, enchanted by the impeccable attire and imposing stature of a local Marine. After being dismissed from high school, he finds his path leading him not to the widely known Parris Island boot camp, but to the lesser-known Montford Point. His path to becoming a Marine is fraught with discrimination and grueling trials that push him to his physical and mental limits. Amid the struggle, he learns resilience, embodying the relentless spirit of Montford Point that drove these men to exceed expectations set by a society that predicted their failure.
Co-Writer
The Jock: a Montford Point Marine unveils the harrowing yet inspiring journey of an American Marine from the segregated boot camp of Montford Point, North Carolina. Raised on the tough streets of Philadelphia, Dave Culmer is drawn to the Marines, enchanted by the impeccable attire and imposing stature of a local Marine. After being dismissed from high school, he finds his path leading him not to the widely known Parris Island boot camp, but to the lesser-known Montford Point. His path to becoming a Marine is fraught with discrimination and grueling trials that push him to his physical and mental limits. Amid the struggle, he learns resilience, embodying the relentless spirit of Montford Point that drove these men to exceed expectations set by a society that predicted their failure.
Co-Producer
In The Singer: A Montford Point Marine, the enthralling journey of Henry Charles Johnson, one of the first African Americans in the U.S. Marine Corps, unfolds. Lured by the dignified Marine uniform and the allure of the G.I. Bill, he's abruptly thrown into the bare, segregated world of Camp Montford Point, a far cry from the lush expansiveness of Camp Lejeune he'd imagined. The harsh realities of Southern segregation strike a jarring contrast to his accustomed diversity of Manhattan, escalating further with hostility from drill instructors. Undeterred, his resolve is galvanized by the dream of donning the Marine uniform and the prospects following discharge. Post-discharge, Johnson immerses himself in New York's music scene, enchanting audiences with his soulful, Sinatra-esque timbre. This riveting narrative portrays the unmatched fortitude of the Montford Point Marines, representing a crucial African-American, American, and globally relevant human experience.
Associate Producer
While Merchant Marine veteran Paul Goercke rests with his family in his plot at the Golden Gate National Cemetery, he is survived and remembered by his pioneering American Legion Post 448, the only predominantly LGBTQ post in the nation.
Trevor Getz
Within hours of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, bombs rained down on U.S. and Filipino forces in the Philippines. After months of vicious fighting, Allied forces surrendered on the island only to be met with a brutal march to P.O.W. camps dotted across the islands. Thousands died on the marches, before reaching the P.O.W. camps where countless more died. The surrender of the Philippines, now almost forgotten in U.S. history, is commemorated in the Philippines every year.
Producer
Ralph Parr flew as a fighter pilot in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam and made the transition from propeller fighter planes to the antecedents of the jets our combat pilots fly today. In addition to rarely seen archival footage, include footage of dog fights, it features interviews from Ralph Parr's author, Ken Murray; his stepdaughter Linda Capps; and his stepson Paul McLaughlin.
Trevor Getz
The Korean War saw three years of heavy combat take place on the small Korean peninsula, ending in a stalemate that remains contested to this day. This documentary tells the story of the Forgotten War from the point of view of the veterans that were sent to fight it.
Producer
The Korean War saw three years of heavy combat take place on the small Korean peninsula, ending in a stalemate that remains contested to this day. This documentary tells the story of the Forgotten War from the point of view of the veterans that were sent to fight it.
Producer
This short film tells the story of Alene B. Duerk, the first woman to earn the rank of Admiral in the U.S. Navy. Admiral Duerk served in World War II and during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After retiring, she went on to deliver meals to the elderly before passing away in her late 90s.
Producer
Mexican American Rodolfo P. Hernandez faced death along the 38th parallel, earning a Congressional Medal of Honor for valor during the Korean War. A story of heroism, perseverance and service, Hernandez proved that even in the most dire circumstances a wounded soldier can accomplish his mission and go on to greater service as a veteran.
Producer
Frank Maselskis was a prisoner of war in World War II. Despite the horrible experiences of being a prisoner Frank decides to join in the Korean War, where he participates in the battle of Chosin, a brutal combat that took place in the most extreme weather conditions.
Trevor Getz
Frank Maselskis was a prisoner of war in World War II. Despite the horrible experiences of being a prisoner Frank decides to join in the Korean War, where he participates in the battle of Chosin, a brutal combat that took place in the most extreme weather conditions.
Producer
Relying on newly discovered archival footage, memoirs from the fallen, and expert commentary from scholars, this documentary tells the story of World War I from the American perspective: Its ace pilots, mine-laying Sailors, heroic doughboys, Harlem Hell Fighters, and courageous nurses.
Trevor Getz
Relying on newly discovered archival footage, memoirs from the fallen, and expert commentary from scholars, this documentary tells the story of World War I from the American perspective: Its ace pilots, mine-laying Sailors, heroic doughboys, Harlem Hell Fighters, and courageous nurses.
Associate Producer
A veteran creates support systems that help other veterans and their families.
Trevor Getz
Samuel Wilder King: Fighting for Statehood tells the story of Samuel Wilder King's service in WWI and WWII, including his efforts to minimized the internment of Japanese Americans in Hawaii, as well as his post-war efforts that led to the territory becoming the 50th State of the Union.
Co-Producer
Combining unseen period footage with original scores from that era, 'Syncopated Ragtime' tells the story of Noble Sissle incredible life journey that spans "The Harlem Hellfighters" of World War I, Broadway Theatre, the Civil Rights movement, and decades of Black cultural production.
Trevor Getz
Combining unseen period footage with original scores from that era, 'Syncopated Ragtime' tells the story of Noble Sissle incredible life journey that spans "The Harlem Hellfighters" of World War I, Broadway Theatre, the Civil Rights movement, and decades of Black cultural production.
Producer
The story of Noble Sissle Jr., a production company owner, community development expert, and veteran of the Vietnam War. Combining archival footage with interviews and family portraits, the film explores his life to include carrying on the legacy of his father, Noble Sissle, the famous WWI Harlem Hell Fighter and leader of the Harlem Renaissance. Includes original music and footage of Noble Sissle.
Trevor Getz
The life of WWI U.S. Navy Pharmacist Mate and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, John Henry Balch, with a focus on his assignment to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, during the infamous Battle of Belleau Wood.
Co-Producer
The story of WWI Pilot Gervais Raoul Lufbery, a triple confirmed WWI ace, mechanic and world traveler. Explores the Lafayette Escadrille squadron, a formation of volunteer pilots serving in France on behalf of the United States whose service marked the early origins of the U.S. Air Force.
Writer
The life of WWI U.S. Navy Pharmacist Mate and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, John Henry Balch, with a focus on his assignment to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, during the infamous Battle of Belleau Wood.
Co-Producer
The life of WWI U.S. Navy Pharmacist Mate and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, John Henry Balch, with a focus on his assignment to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, during the infamous Battle of Belleau Wood.
Producer
Bravery, compassion and the will to save lives motivated the young Nurse Helen Fairchild to leave home in Pennsylvania and embark on a journey to Europe, where she served as a surgical nurse during World War I before dying on the front lines.
Producer's Assistant
In California's Bay Area, a painful memory lingers of the Port Chicago disaster of WWII, when hundreds of the Navy's first Black Sailors perished, and the White officers in charge were protected by the chain of command.
Associate Producer
Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz used submarines, a vessel used to great effect by Germany in WWI and WWII to turn the tide of the War in the Pacific.
Associate Producer
African American soldiers throughout the 19th and 20th Centuries faced discrimination and segregation, yet many still chose to fight for their country.
Associate Producer
A little-known story of the Indian Wars involves the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in the conquest of the Apache tribes.
Associate Producer
On April 18th, 1906, San Francisco witnessed its most devastating natural disaster, yet Frederick Funston, commandnig officer of the Presidio of San Francisco, gathered civilians to fight the fire, patrol the streets, and rebuild the city without authorization.
Co-Producer
Performed by Constance Smith, Pauline Cushman-Fryer tells us how she became a Union Spy, got caught and was almost hanged, why Abraham Lincoln granted her the rank of Major, and how she died lonely in San Francisco from an overdose of opium.
Associate Producer
PFC Benjamin Tollefson was killed in action during Operation: Iraqi Freedom. His mother tells the story he never got a chance to share.
Associate Producer
Raymond Carlson remembers his older brother, a medic killed in action in the Vietnam War when Raymond was only seven years old. The impact of that loss lingers today more than fifty years later.
Associate Producer
Lieutenant Commander Che Barnes, who died in 2009 after the plane he was flying was struck by U.S. Marine Corps helicopters, is remembered by his two brothers for his passion for flying and saving lives. Barnes and his fellow Coasties and U.S. Marines died in the line of duty. This is Che's story.
Associate Producer
Leaving internment camps to defend their county in Europe, Japanese-American Nisei soldiers of WWII became the most decorated unit in American history. This film tells their story.