Everyone who had the opportunity to attend this year's G.I. Film Festival in D.C. knows that it didn't disappoint! The movies in this year's line-up were riveting. So much to discuss!Bravo Zulu to Laura and Brandon Millet, the founders of this amazing organization. They flawlessly executed an event with fantastic films/filmmakers, great honorees, and amazing hors d'oeuvres.
I had the pleasure of meeting up with my friend Kathleen De Pol-Gagg, who is the Executive Director of Got Your Back Network, for families of fallen service members. She is a very kind and caring woman with such compassion for the military. She told me about another recent project she is involved with, Camp Better America. I am always so moved by her selflessness and I'm already scheming as to how I can help further these great causes. Camp Better America is brand new, a camp that she and her team created for families in the military to bond, decompress and have great resources at their disposal. Speakers, celebrities, and entrepreneurs all come together to help celebrate service members and offer their guidance.
On Friday evening of the festival, I had the opportunity to interview Rick Schroeder, of Silver Spoons (and later NYPD Blue) fame! He was premiering his reality show, Starting Strong. Each 30 minute episode takes an everyday civilian whose considering joining the Army, and shows them what life would be like if they were to enlist in that particular career field. At the end, they show if the person decides to remain a civilian, or swear-in into the Army.
Rick told me that he attempted to enlist in the Army a couple of times in his life. He tried to in his younger years, but his agent and family weren't very supportive. He again felt compelled after 9-11, but a physical deemed him unqualified when they discovered he had asthma.
He still wanted to contribute in some way, so he met with Army officials at the Pentagon and offered his connections and support to start a project that would show a positive portrayal of life in the Army. Thus, his show Starting Strong, which I hope gets picked up by a network.
He also tearfully accepted an award at the G.I. Film Festival, for his involvement. He is truly a patriot.
More to come about the amazing week! Thank you to the most fantastic photographer I know, Moshe Zusman for the awesome shots!
