Buckles from Sean Dunne on Vimeo.
Sean Dunne, a filmmaker from Brooklyn, NY recently notified us about his 10 minute film of Frank Buckles, the last living US WWI Veteran. Watch and listen as Frank recounts his recollection of World War I.
It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of the online video site, Great Americans. It’s one of the most patriotic places I’ve found that is dedicated to those in this country who seek to do something greater than themselves. It’s about service, sacrifice, patriotism, and love for our fellow citizens. They don’t focus singularly on the military, but include ALL manner of service from the DEA to the local police department and volunteer firefighter.
Site creator and executive director, Matt Daniels, recently answered the question posed in the title of this post that I want to share with you:
Did you know that volunteer fire companies are a uniquely American tradition? In Europe, it would be unthinkable for anyone but the government to engage in the dangerous work of firefighting. But in America, the majority of firefighters are still volunteers. Ordinary Americans save the lives of others in countless communities across America — simply for love of neighbor.
This fact speaks volumes about what has always made America great. As a nation, we have a tradition of ordinary people caring for one another – even to the point of risking their lives. We sometimes forget that in many other societies this would seem absurd. But when we forget that, we forget who we are. That is why I love this video portrait of one volunteer fire company in Maryland. It captures the greatness of the ordinary Americans who volunteer to serve as firefighters in every community in our country:
Notice how most of the firefighters interviewed say that they serve because they saw someone else in their family do the same. That is the power of positive role models – and the reason that that Great Americans exists.
I can’t say it any better. Are you looking for more great videos that will inspire and motivate? Check out Great Americans.
Sometimes the only way our troops will be honored is if we do it ourselves. This is an awesome story from Glenn Beck:
I was cleaning off my camera from our vacation to Chattanooga and found some photos I took a few months back that I wanted to blog about and just got busy.
In May, Roush Racing visited Redstone Arsenal. The purpose of the visit was to talk about the meshing of racing technology with the needs of the Army. Many safety features used in NASCAR have been incorporated into Army equipment and vice versa. Roush landed on the base in his own P-51D Mustang plane.
While at the Arsenal, he set aside some time to have lunch with the troops, sign autographs and answer questions. Many of the troops are avid NASCAR fans and ecstatic about the opportunity. Mr. Roush signed over 600 autographs during his visit to Redstone for both Soldiers and civilians. He signed everything from pictures, to T-shirts, to die-cast cars, and even dashboards.
Mustang fans were so happy to hear he was there that an impromptu car show started in the parking lot with over 30 Mustangs showing up during the session. One Soldier even asked Mr. Roush to sign his brand new 2008 Ford Mustang.
Here are some photos of Mr. Roush interacting with the troops at the dining facility.
I also took a moment to interview some of the Soldiers that had an opportunity to meet with him and get an autograph using my handy-dandy You Served Flip Camera. This first video is just a simple video of Jack Roush signing a Soldier’s new Mustang (how do they afford these things?)
Jack Roush Signs Soldier’s Mustang from CJ Grisham on Vimeo.
After the signing was complete, I interviewed the owner of the Mustang. I apologize that the video is unedited. I also should apologize for asking him about “Mr. Fenway”! What was that all about?! 
Interview with Mustang Owner from CJ Grisham on Vimeo.
Some close up shots of the autograph are located above.
Back in February, Troy and I interviewed Aron Gaudet, Director of the stunning documentary, “The Way We Get By.” When I redeployed, I came through Bangor, Maine. These people are true patriots and they deserve this recognition.
The movie opens in New York City at the IFC Center on July 17th, 2009 and I wanted to take a moment to remind you a little about it if you didn’t catch the interview.
The SXSW Special Jury Award winning The Way We Get By is a deeply moving film about life and how to live it. Beginning as a seemingly idiosyncratic story about troop greeters – a group of senior citizens who gather daily at a small airport to thank American soldiers departing and returning from Iraq, the film quickly turns into a moving, unsettling and compassionate story about aging, loneliness, war and mortality.
When its three subjects aren’t at the airport, they wrestle with their own problems: failing health, depression, mounting debt. Joan, a grandmother of eight, has a deep connection to the soldiers she meets. The sanguine Jerry keeps his spirits up even as his personal problems mount. And the veteran Bill, who clearly has trouble taking care of himself, finds himself contemplating his own death. Seeking out the telling detail rather than offering sweeping generalizations, the film carefully builds stories of heartbreak and redemption, reminding us how our culture casts our elders, and too often our soldiers, aside. More important, regardless of your politics, The Way We Get By celebrates three unsung heroes who share their love with strangers who need and deserve it.
Here’s a quick trailer for the movie:
The Way We Get By – Trailer from The Way We Get By on Vimeo.
This documentary will bring tears of joy, sadness, and patriotism to your eyes! The hardest thing in the world to hear is when that gentleman says, “My life doesn’t mean a whole lot to me, but if I can make it mean something to somebody else…that’s my endeavor.” He sort of sums up the entire movie right there.
Joint Forces Command HQ in Brunssum, Netherlands is sponsoring a video contest called “Why Afghanistan Matters”. The intent is to provide a "boots on the ground" perspective of the military mission in Afghanistan from the point of view of those most closely involved.
They will not edit clips for content, but will exclude contest submissions that jeopardize troop security, or show objectionable, disturbing or offensive material.
The contest is open to military personnel who are serving, or have served the mission in Afghanistan. You can follow progress by subscribing to RSS updates. or checking out our Twitter feed.
The contest will be open for submissions during June, July and August. They will post your videos once approved as a qualifying submission. From 1 to 30 September, they will allow further video rating, and winners will be selected on 1 October.
Winners determined by highest average rating. One (1) winner will receive a digital camcorder, valued at approximately $600 US; three (3) winners will receive digital camcorders valued at approximately $150 US each.
So make your video, upload it and tell NATO and the World, why Afghanistan Matters. Go to their website at contest.afghanistanmatters.com/ to learn more, see the official rules and upload your video.
Panel #3 is finally up of the popular “Taking Care of Vets” video. In this video: Moderator: McQ of Q&O and Blackfive; Pete Hegseth of Vets for Freedom, Genevieve Chase of American Women Veterans, Mark Seavey from the American Legion–Assistant Director of Legislation, Matt Bernard of A Soldier’s Life
Taking Care of Vets from Nathan Long on Vimeo.
In this terribly audible video, we interview American Soldier blogger Matt. This interview was conducted in the lobby at the end of the conference, so the audio is overmodulated and very noisy. But, it’s still recognizable so we’re posting it!
Matt Interview from Nathan Long on Vimeo.
Troy interviews OIF/OEF veteran Genevieve Chase about her testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and her just completed panel, which will be published shortly. The panel was titled “Taking Care of Veterans”.
Eve Interview from Nathan Long on Vimeo.
You Served's Claire talks about the life of a military spouse - the hardships, the joys, and everything in between.
Join the discussion in our new Spouse and Family section!
