REAL PATRIOTS

July 4 2015 I am reminded of all the amazing citizen patriots who gave their lives for this nation. I am thankful for all the branches of the Armed Forces who have stood on the wall, gone on to foreign soil, protected our safety, our homes and our freedoms and I am most thankful we have been a nation committed to patriotism.

Many times our films are at the very core "patriotic" and this is probably because of our family being raised on patriotism.  When I ran for Student Council President at Putnam City West, the Patriots, my symbol was the American Eagle for the campaign.  I believed in freedom and was moved and inspired by the statesman who could walk on the Democrat and the Republican side of the aisle with nobility, integrity and promoting freedom.

Coming from a family divided in politics, I learned to listen to both sides of the aisle, but the people I listened to the most, were those fighting men and women who were willing to die for their nation.  I guess I wish every President would have to serve in our Armed Forces, to just know what it means to stand on the line for the freedoms of our nation.  

Many generals whom I have loved dearly would never run for political office, like Stormin Norman Schwarskopf whom I deeply admired.  So many great Americans who have served our nation, sacrificed with their lives and limbs have inspired me.  

When we made LAST OUNCE OF COURAGE, I asked if Oliver North would consult with our company to ensure we had the "soldier" scenes right.  We recruited three generals to be "of counsel" and found patriots like Ed Pulido who had given part of his leg in service to our nation.  We met men like Ed Beesley who had both his legs gone, we met Tony Orlando who was a real advocate and we also connected with amazing patriots across the board.

My favorite screening was with the Purple Heart Veterans in Branson, Missouri.  I will never forget being around these amazing soldiers.  In fact, I am honored to have been a part of this movie for this reason, a film called LAST OUNCE OF COURAGE.  Marshall Teague played the leading role with everything he had. He gave it all and when we met, I was so thankful he had been perfectly cast by Darrel Campbell and the entire team.

Darrel had lost his uncle in the war and he used his inspiration for the writing of the film.  Over and over again, we saw American Patriots being a part of this great dream. I absolutely loved being around the heroes who had served our nation.

Marshall got us with Chuck Norris, who was another amazing patriot who lost his brother in Viet Nam. Wow, the sacrifice just kept going and going. These patriots moved my heart and I will forever salute these wonderful soldiers. Thank you men and women, patriots who served our nation. We are thankful for you and remember you.

I love America and I love the men and women who have made it possible.

In Honor of Those Who Have Gone Before Us,

Kevin