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- In the midst of World War II, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-female African-American unit, undertook the monumental task of sorting and delivering a massive backlog of mail for the U.S. military. Despite facing deplorable working conditions and the pervasive dual discrimination of race and gender, these women served their country with unbreakable determination and pride. Led by the formidable Major Charity Adams, they not only achieved their mission in half the expected time but also broke barriers, standing firm against inequality and inspiring future generations. Tragically overlooked for years, the story of the 6888th sheds light on a remarkable, untold chapter of American history, reflecting both the triumphs and injustices that shaped the nation's path towards civil rights. Their courage and resilience continue to resonate, a poignant reminder of the societal strides still needed to fully recognize and honor their invaluable contribution.
- The story of Giorgio Mattia who witnessed the second attack on the Italian Army in Nassiriya, Iraq 2006.
- In a tale spanning generations, a young woman navigates her place within a lineage of military service, defying her own expectations to continue a proud family tradition. Her grandfather, Henry Lee Jackson, a former Marine and Air Force master sergeant, sets the backdrop with his storied career and recognition with the Congressional Gold Medal, highlighting a legacy of perseverance and patriotism. Despite initial reservations, the protagonist finds her calling in the military, embarking on a journey that takes her from ROTC in college to challenging assignments abroad, including a pivotal role in Afghanistan and enriching experiences in South Korea. Along the way, she confronts the complexities of advancing in a field still grappling with issues of race and gender, reflecting on the progress made since her grandfather's time and the work that remains. Through her story, we explore themes of duty, courage, and the ongoing struggle for equality, all while honoring the family's enduring commitment to serving their country.
- "Who is Weary Willie?" explores the life of the famous circus character Weary Willie and his story tied to controversy and confusion over identity between his creator, Emmett Kelly Sr., and his son, Emmett Kelly Jr.
- After a stellar high school career as a top marksman and leader in the JROTC program at San Diego High School, Jennifer Moreno, a warrior, nurse, and US Army captain, became a core member of the Cultural Support Team in Afghanistan. The joint, elite female squad took part in the most dangerous combat operations in war-torn Afghanistan while providing allied forces a means to communicate with the women of that country. Her mentor, battled buddy sister remember her life and legacy from an underprivileged background, her career in the military, to her sacrifice in the line of duty.
- In this short documentary, the life story of Buck Southworth as U.S. Air Force Flight Crew in the Vietnam War is told and narrated by his wife, Priscilla Southworth, now a Cemetery Volunteer at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. This is a remarkable and touching documentary about bravery, mission and love.
- In this dynamic and dramatic short film, an African American veteran takes us on an extraordinary journey through the twists and turns of his life. From a chance visit to the Pentagon, where he stumbles upon a hidden photograph from his Marine Corps days, 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 brutal chaos 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, one a passionate paleontologist and the other a curious astronomer, reflect on the man who raised them and the legacy he instilled. This captivating film unearths the essence of the Black experience in the early 20th century, paints a vivid portrait of the unforgiving Chosin Reservoir, and unravels the intricate tapestry of race, family, and personal growth, revealing the immeasurable strength and wisdom gained along the way.
- Over the serene and verdant landscape of Northern California, a man with an everlasting childlike spirit lived his last years in a cabin. A story of friendship and loneliness, George Carl Wenzlaff was a Navy veteran and postal service worker with unique artistic talents and an amazing past.
- 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. From cooking for her grandchildren to designing a license plate that raised $15 million for anti-terrorism in California, 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, Threat's narrative echoes across generations and backgrounds, culminating in a heartfelt tribute to the Montford Point Marines and a universal call for goodness and unity. 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.
- Alessandra Pacini, solar physicist and mother of two, has dedicated her life to researching our sun and its relation to the rest of our solar system. Traveling across the globe with her family, from Finland to Puerto Rico, Alessandra is on a mission to discover the great mysteries of our solar system.
- The story of a young enslaved African woman who escapes her master, flees to the Gold Coast and takes her master to court. Based on actual court transcripts, the films breathes life into the graphic novel by the same name to tell her story.
- Nisei Soldiers - The Japanese-American Nisei soldiers of WWII would become the most decorated unit in US military history - but at what price?
- 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 death march to P.O.W. camps dotted across the islands. Thousands died on the marches, before even 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.
- 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.
- On the eve of the Operation Desert Storm in the first Gulf War, the Italian government deployed eight Tornado Fighter-bombers. Gianmarco Bellini was one of the pilots, shot down, captured, abused and returned beat up but able to rise to the rank of General.
- As a new space age dawns, have women come far enough to go farther than they ever have before? This film tells the story of the role women have played in the exploration of Mars.
- Jack "Fingers" Ensch served in the Navy for 30 years. Recounting his experience of getting shot down and held as a POW in the infamous Hanoi Hilton, Jack explains how he was able to move forward from the experience and enjoy a full life.
- A young, school-aged Joel Hunt impulsively joins the Army only weeks before multiple full-ride scholarships come in the mail, taking him away from his plans to be a professional football kicker. Serving as a combat engineer from 1998-2007, Joel endures more than 15 roadside bombs, and becomes inflicted with TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), a permanent condition. Without a proper diagnosis from first the military and then the VA Medical Hospitals, Joel finds that he must take his health into his own hands. With the help of his dog Barrett, and involving himself in challenging physical activity, Joel stays positive in the face of adversity, proving to others that with the proper perspective you can push through anything.
- This film tells the story of Jesus Duran, who immigrated from Mexico at a young age, and did his military service in Vietnam where, through a heroic act, he saved his platoon, and was awarded a posthumous medal of honor in 2014.
- 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 dough-boys, Harlem Hell Fighters, and courageous nurses.
- Set against the backdrop of the pivotal repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, the film chronicles the evocative journey of Lt. Col. Linda Campbell, an Air Force veteran who grappled with hiding her true self during her service tenure. While the national policy shift towards LGBTQ+ rights marks a progressive era, Linda's personal story serves as a powerful testament to the individual battles fought in the shadows of such policies. Subjected to suspicion, prejudice, and threats from her comrades due to her perceived homosexuality, Linda's resilience and unyielding spirit remain undeterred. Her unwavering love and commitment to her partner, Nancy Lynchild, culminate in a poignant milestone: their eternal rest together in Willamette National Cemetery, symbolizing the culmination of a personal and societal journey towards acceptance. Intertwined with this narrative is the heartfelt account of Linda's brother, Bob Campbell, who delves into their family's conservative roots, Linda's tumultuous coming out, and the eventual familial reconciliation that showcases the transformative power of love and understanding. The film is a touching exploration of the intersections between national policy changes, personal identities, and the unbreakable bonds of family and love.
- An extraordinary tale of resilience unfolds against the backdrop of intense political rivalry and media scrutiny. Joanne Conte, the indomitable child of Italian immigrants, weathers the storm of public vilification as her past is unceremoniously plastered across the front pages of Colorado papers and on The Maury Povich Show. Yet, this assault on her character is not enough to halt the unwavering march of her life of service. She breaks barriers as the first transgender person to be elected to a city council in U.S. history, but her identity extends far beyond this groundbreaking accomplishment. As a valiant soldier, an impassioned activist, and a tenacious politician, Conte carves out a formidable legacy. Later in life, she reinvents herself yet again as an investigative journalist, proving her mettle in yet another challenging arena. This is an emotionally charged and evocatively detailed portrait of Joanne Conte, a multifaceted individual who lived her life far beyond the simplistic narratives of headlines. Her story resonates with resilience, defiance, and unflinching dedication to public service, providing a testament to her unique and enduring impact on American history.
- Merchant Mariner Paul Goercke - While Navy 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.
- 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. His enduring story continues through his service overseas, playing football for the Marines, and eventually to Vietnam, painting a raw portrait of not just the Marine Corps during war, but the man underneath the uniform - one forever marked by the trials and triumphs of Montford Point.
- Alene B. Duerk: The First Woman Admiral is a short documentary that tells the story of how Alene Duerk overcame gender stereotypes in the military to accomplish the highest rank ever achieved by a woman in the history of the US Navy. It took the Navy almost two hundred years to promote a woman to flag rank. Alene Duerk, the first female Navy admiral, earned this title after several years of hard work and dedication to the US Navy. From a registered nurse to an Admiral, Duerk was one of the first nurses to serve during three wars: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. This short documentary recounts how she overcame gender stereotypes to become a historical icon.
- In the poignant and thought-provoking short film, a distressed mother, Velda, takes center stage as she recounts the tragic tale of her son, Michael, who battles inner demons after being sent to war. As she navigates through the gut-wrenching chronology of his enlistment on the eve of 9/11, his traumatizing experiences in combat, and his futile attempts at readjustment after returning home, the narrative unravels to reveal the silent and insidious toll of war on the mental health of soldiers. Compelled by her son's devastating suicide, Velda transforms her grief into a call for action, articulating her concerns about the military's approach to mental health issues in a letter to the president. This heart-rending short film underscores the often overlooked consequences of war, giving voice to those left in its devastating wake.
- A remarkable woman challenges two centuries of Navy tradition and discrimination, becoming a champion for equal opportunities to serve on-board ship and in combat -- all while rising to the rank of captain and becoming a source of strength to her family.
- Mexican American Rodolfo P. Hernandez faced down 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.
- A veteran creates support systems that help other veterans and their families.
- 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 the World War I. This short documentary recounts her fascinating story and the quest for Fairchild's recognition as a war hero who died at the front lines.
- Aldo Giannini signs up for the U.S. Marine Corps in 1943. Training first in San Diego and then in New Zealand, Aldo is part of the Battle of Tarawa, one of the bloodiest battles of WWII. Enduring a shrapnel injury and witnessing a staggering 3,250 U.S. casualties, Aldo reflects on a battle which gained the U.S. very little in the war. Aldo was hospitalized for three months in Hawaii following the battle, and returned to participate in the invasion of Okinawa. Following the destruction of Nagasaki by the atomic bomb, Aldo is part of the occupying force in the ruined city, finding the Japanese civilians to be friendly to the U.S. military. Having lived through some of the harshest battles of the Pacific Theater, Aldo returns home and marries his high school sweetheart.
- In 1945, Adele, with the energetic support of her family, joins the U.S. Marine Corps, as part of the large influx of women in the military, with the goal to "free a marine to fight". Adele is particularly fond of the Marine uniforms, which leads her away from the more traditional Women's Reserves. While in active duty for only a year, Adele forms lifelong friendships, and meets her husband who stays in active duty for 28 more years, giving Adele a full experience of life with the Marines. More than 70 years later, Adele questions why some of her friends have passed on before her. When her minister advises her about these feelings, Adele must confront the idea that she is still needed.
- Casey Conklin joins the 3rd Ranger Battalion as a medic, because he always believed they were the toughest group around. After having experienced the Battle of Mosul in Iraq and receiving his Ranger Tab, he doesn't question how tough he is. But returning home, he finds that he still must challenge himself, and does this with long distance running, and studying Health Education at San Francisco State. Even though Casey has proved himself as a medic in intense war situations, he knows that he must continue to prove himself when he joins worldwide disaster relief efforts.
- This short film tells the story of Frank Maselskis who 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. After those experiences in the war Frank fights to live a normal life.
- After losing her father at an early age, Tina Duran explores the rich history of her father, the story of her ancestors who migrated from Mexico to the United States, and the implications the Vietnam War had on her community.
- The dark recesses of American history unfurl as "The Sioux: From Red Cloud to Wounded Knee" delves deep into the U.S-Indian wars, an era often shrouded in misconceptions. This cinematic journey uncovers the shifting attitudes towards Native Americans, oscillating between the revered "Noble Savage" and the feared "Savage Savage." As the U.S. expands westward, encroaching on Native lands, tensions surge, leading to the strategic establishment of the Bozeman Trail through Sioux territory. Chief Red Cloud's fierce resistance culminates in the Treaty of Fort Laramie, a significant but fleeting victory for the Sioux. However, the promise of peace shatters with the U.S.'s relentless intrusion into the sacred Black Hills, pushing both sides to the brink. The narrative takes a poignant turn when the Ghost Dance religion emerges, a spiritual outcry born from despair and a yearning to reclaim a lost world. The climax is a heart-wrenching recollection of the Wounded Knee Massacre, where the deaths of innocent Sioux tribesmen, predominantly women and children, serve as a haunting reminder of the tumultuous relationship between the settlers and the Native Americans. Through intense dialogues and reflections, the film challenges viewers to confront the moral complexities of war and ponder the cost of progress. As modernity dawns, the shared pain of Wounded Knee remains an indelible scar, urging societies to remember, reconcile, and respect.
- A young David Gan joins the WWII effort, eager to serve his country. Feelings of exclusion as a Chinese-American disappear in the Army. After experiencing the loss of so many fallen comrades, David dedicates his life to those who never came home.
- At Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, "Anne Virkki: Near Earth Asteroids" tells the story of Research Scientist Anne Virkki and her ongoing studies on asteroids and their threat to humanity. Originally from Finland, Anne Virkki shares her educational experience and the study of radio signals of asteroids, their shape, size, and surface.
- 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 Sissle Jr. 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.
- Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jesse Moss, this short documentary tells the story of Lieutenant Colonel John Stevens. LTC Stevens served in both World War II and the Korean War. During the Korean War, he received a Bronze Star for leading his company in one of that war's harshest battles. Knowing the Korean War is known as "the forgotten war," LTC Stevens lead the charge to fund and build the Korean War Memorial just outside Gold Gate National Cemetery.
- Guy Hircefeld, a veteran who served in the Israeli military at the start of its occupation of Palestine in the 1980s, now fights against the Israeli occupation. His only weapon is a camera.
- Maria Zoe Dunning is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and gay rights activist. She is known for being the only openly gay person remaining on active duty following a series of lawsuits against the U.S. Military and the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy during the 1990s. This is her story.
- After the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese, Ralph Rush trains with the Army Air Corps before attending college. With reinforcements in demand, trained college students are sent to the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. Here Ralph joins one of General George S. Patton's fighting divisions, where he and his fellow "college boys" are perpetually chosen for dangerous and unwanted tasks, such as digging for land mines. Because of his position far behind enemy lines in Germany, Michael was the first American to enter the Ohrdruf Concentration Camp, which was the first concentration camp to be liberated by the Allies.
- Lieutenant Commander Che Barnes - Fallen Coast Guard pilot Barnes is remembered by his two brothers for his passion for flying and saving lives.
- When our loved ones pass they live on through our memories, the stories that bring us together, keep us warm when we feel cold and cheer us up in the darkest times. A Collection of My Father tells the story of Vincent Faulls, a soldier, husband and father, through the eyes of his daughter. The memories of her father as an entrepreneur and dancer bring light to the story of an everyday man forging his way in our world.
- In the midst of World War II's turmoil, the quaint British town of Bury St. Edmonds becomes a focal point where lives intersect and secrets unravel. An 18-year-old woman, finds herself caught in the throes of a great wartime secret - the breaking of the German Enigma code. Her recruitment into the "Ultra" program brings her to the heart of Bletchley Park's most clandestine operations, where Alan Turing and his team forge the world's first computer in a bid to crack the ever-changing German codes. Every day, she grapples with the weight of the secret, which is so profound that even her family is oblivious to her covert role. Meanwhile, amidst the dances and interactions in the town, she captures the heart of an assertive American soldier. Their whirlwind wartime romance culminates in a heartwarming union, facing the challenges of the Official Secrets Act that surrounds her duty. The soldier, persistent and deeply in love, goes to great lengths, even penning letters to officials, in order to secure her release from the program and to solidify their commitment to one another. They eventually marry and cross the Atlantic to build a new life in the US, where they raise children who, years later, come to discover the incredible stories of their parents' contributions during the tumultuous war years.
- Tiffany McKinley dismisses the stereotype of a single female personality in the military. For Tiffany, her interest in the Navy was activated by the spread of patriotism after 9/11. Tiffany became an information technology specialist, and finds herself helping her superior officers of an older generation with their computers, while manning the control centers of deployed ships. Tiffany feels lucky to have served in the Navy where females were widely accepted, noting that females in the Marines have difficult experiences in such a male-centric branch of the military. Now studying cognitive science at UC Berkeley, Tiffany is interested in further opening spaces for women in the military.
- Bobby served in the United States Army for 10 years in a CID unit. During that time he was deployed once to Iraq in September 2006. He spends most of his free time with his wife and young son.
- At Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, Eliana Nossa studies the ionosphere. This short films tells the story of Columbian researcher Iliana Nossa as she explains her study of the ever-changing universe, Arecibo's technology and data, and her role as a woman among her male colleagues. She studies the ionospheric irregularities that impact terrestrial communication.
- Julie Mendez joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and had to grow into an adult instantaneously. Deployed to Iraq, Julie soon learned that the local people had varied feelings about the U.S. presence, and that her involvement was not black and white, even though Julie wanted nothing more than to help. Coming back from her service, Julie found it difficult to maintain relationships with those she had felt comfortable with before her enlistment. Viewing the Army's operations in Iraq with a growing contempt, Julie found it difficult to talk about her service, and decided to try medication to help her open up emotionally. Julie also finds another form of therapy, graphic design. Falling in love with the art form, Julie completes a Masters in Graphic Design, her thesis project focusing on how to facilitate communication between veterans and their loved ones. Through this work, Julie finds a way to communicate her own experiences.