The Military Movies on Mondays event in Fresno represented a significant demonstration of how veterans can lead community initiatives that bridge civilian-military divides while addressing practical needs like workforce development and mentorship. Organized by U.S. Army veteran George Ohan with conceptual origins from VetFlicks CEO Marcus Beaufils, another Army veteran with Hollywood film distribution experience, the event intentionally positioned veterans as leaders of safe, ethical, and educational programming rather than as recipients of services. This approach highlights a shift toward veteran-led community building, which organizers believe supports more sustainable reintegration and positive public perception.
Educational components included hands-on technology demonstrations, notably an introduction to artificial intelligence concepts through "vibe coding" on the platform Replit. During one session, a civilian participant created a non-operational website mockup to visualize a hospital logistical workflow, carefully avoiding any patient data or protected health information to maintain ethical boundaries. This illustrates how veterans can facilitate accessible technology education while modeling responsible data practices, potentially creating pathways for participants into tech-adjacent fields.
Workforce development received substantial focus through a Blue-Collar Youth in Trades segment that introduced local youth to practical career pathways in plumbing, electrical work, and general trades. Veterans and skilled workers facilitated discussions centered on mentorship, skill development, and long-term employment stability, addressing both veteran reintegration needs and youth career exposure simultaneously. The inclusion of no-fee participation for local small businesses further reinforced the event's community-economic development dimension, creating networking opportunities without commercial barriers.
Entertainment industry training added another dimension, with KP Phagnasay, actor from the Netflix series 'Dahmer,' leading high-energy talent workshops. Screenings of military-themed international short films culminated in the Best Film award for 'Fathers and Sons,' a forthcoming feature exploring intergenerational bonds, duty, and reconciliation. These creative elements provided both recreational engagement and exposure to entertainment career pathways, demonstrating how veteran-led initiatives can incorporate diverse industry exposures.
Community partnership formed the operational backbone, with support from U.S. Army station commander SFC Campos, Fresno Ag hardware store, and particularly the American Legion Gaming Vanguard Post 1337, a veteran-led organization dedicated to service and mentorship. All staffing roles were volunteer-filled, reinforcing a community-first approach distinct from commercial activity. Positive feedback from Fresno VA Medical Center staff including Claudia Solis, Brian Becker, and Mark Smith validated the model's emphasis on peer connection and veteran-led initiatives.
The Fresno gathering served as a pilot for a proposed recurring national series, with organizers evaluating future iterations emphasizing veteran leadership, education, and appropriate institutional collaboration. Early interest from Plant City Premiere Lux 8 near Tampa Bay, Florida suggests potential expansion, while the organizing principles demonstrated at American Legion Gaming Vanguard Post 1337 provide a template for similar initiatives elsewhere. By successfully integrating education, workforce development, entertainment, and community partnership under veteran leadership, the event established a replicable model for constructive civilian-military engagement that addresses multiple community needs simultaneously.
