5th Annual GI Film Festival Kick-Off Party at Policy DC

By Punch Pep Correspondent Elizabeth Fischer

Policy DC

Strength in numbers – a way to remember our soldiers – the past, the fallen, the forgotten, the present and the future!

The GI Film Festival is the premiere venue for the screening of military films in this country.  But it is so much more.

Co-Founders Brandon L. Millett and Laura Law-Millett started the festival in 2006.  This year’s underlying theme – behavioral health for all – the soldiers, the wounded warriors and the families – the war fought after the war.

Co-Founders Brandon L. Millett and Laura Law-Millett

On Monday, the upstairs room was buzzing with excitement for the upcoming week; and the chance to connect with new faces, remember old but dear forgotten faces and to see those known for moments or years.

Many came to support this extraordinary event, including:

Stephen Sherman (below).  He is 90 years old – full of life – and is the Founder and CEO of the Dorie Miller Memorial Foundation – and currently living in California.  He grew up in Colorado and was an All American in football and basketball.  He was the only African American at his school but was ignorant of segregation because it didn’t exist where he grew up.  This shaped the man he became and helped him lead a very vibrant and colorful life.

He completed my evening and brings a smile to my lips each and every time I have the pleasure of his acquaintance.

Reverend Dr. Dave Brock – Retired US Army Chaplain.  He spoke highly of Project Sanctuary – A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide therapeutic, curative, supportive and recreational activities to veterans, active military personnel, their spouses and children in a leisure environment. A kind soul.

Reverend Dr. Dave Brock

Former Senator Dodd (Current Chief of the Motion Picture Association), pictured with Marlene Hall (personally involved with GIFF – warm, kind & gifted). Thoughtful and supportive.

Major Frances A. Cheever – founder of Children’s Warrior Camp – its Mission: Challenge to Greatness – Promote Healing – Mind Body & Soul – Bridging the Gap between generations of Warriors (More to come in a later blog).  A true gem – a woman on a mission with purpose.

Major Frances A. Cheever

Board Member William Chatfield … Engaging, charming – a man of many words.

At the end of the evening, the co-founders took a few moments to discuss the event, thank everyone for his/her support and to raffle off gift bags with goodies, including a spa day.

Unfortunately, I did not win – but…ahh – I did – I met many impressive individuals and each day I have come to learn something new….something as a nation we should understand about those who serve for our freedom.  This week and weekend provide us all the chance to experience a moment, a life-time, a story…to share an understanding of the great men and women who have served our country – a chance to get a glimpse into a world many of us know little about – so please support our troops by getting involved and learning more.

An important start in this journey of knowledge is to visit gifilmfestival.com.  Also, please look for a future post summarizing the GI Film Fesitval and  many great charities, films and organizations.