Help Wounded Veteran Film

I am a U.S. Army veteran ('88-'92) and an independent filmmaker.  My wife (and co-producer) and I have created a powerful short film about a severely wounded Marine and his wife.  We are asking for your help so that we can share this film with as many active troops, veterans, their families - and as many people who appreciate their sacrifices - as possible.

Called "Birthday", this project is a dignified, truth-based portrayal of what many of our courageous vets and their spouses go through following traumatic injuries. Made with the assistance of some our wounded veterans, including Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter, we are looking for your help in getting this important film out to active troops, film festivals, and other distribution platforms to further give voice to their amazing stories of love and perseverance.

"Birthday" is already wrapped and edited, but we need your help in our efforts to "get it out there" to viewing audiences and to our deserving troops.

We have offered to send free copies of "Birthday" to any active troops that request it.  So far, we have had requests from units in the Army, Navy, and Marines.  We are looking for funds to help with the printing and shipping costs for these.

We also need to secure: (A) funds for the long-term music rights for the amazing score we have for the film, (B) funds for professional post-production color correction on the film, and (C) funds for marketing, film festival submissions, DVDs, posters, postage, etc.

We have funded the majority of the making of this film from our own retirement (and from some amazing friends of the film early on), but we are in dire need of much-needed help with getting this worthy project into hands of those who serve and protect.

Anyone contributing $50 or more will receive a DVD copy of "Birthday" and a "thank you" credit or "Associate Producer" credit (or higher) in the film.   :)

Thanks so much for your consideration! www.watermarkfilms.net

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Comments on "Birthday" from our Veterans:

I just watched "Birthday" twice.  It's absolutely beautiful. I wouldn't imagine 12 minutes being able to capture so much.  The whole process: before, after, during, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, and such a beautiful person in his wife.  You have created a masterpiece.  A true work of art.

- Severely wounded veteran Tyler J. Southern, USMC (ret.), Florida

"Birthday" was beautiful and most importantly real.  You showed the pain that is constantly there.  It never goes away but it's up to us to decide how it controls our life.  The part in the end where Chris helps others at the end.  That is why I do what I do.  Helping other vets is what has kept me alive.  You showed what the real challenge is: coming home.

- Wounded veteran Steven Diaz, USMC (ret.), South Carolina

I watched "Birthday." It blew me away. I cried just about the whole time. Unbelievable job. I'm going to share this with the folks at the National Veterans Art Museum.

- Michael D. Fay, Marine Corps veteran and Official Combat Artist for the USMC, Virginia


"Birthday" is exceptional.  Your actress did a fantastic job.  Many people forget how difficult a deployment or an injury can be on family members.  But your film gives a small glimpse into what that must be like.

- Iraq War veteran Walt Cartin, USMC (ret.), South Carolina