The inaugural Military Movies on Mondays event in Fresno showcased a collaborative model where veterans lead community initiatives focused on education, workforce exposure, and constructive civilian-military engagement. Organized by U.S. Army veteran and former staff sergeant George Ohan, a patient at the Fresno Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the volunteer-supported gathering brought together veterans, civilians, and local youth at the historic Crest Theatre. The concept originated with VetFlicks CEO Marcus Beaufils, also an Army veteran with a background in film distribution at NBC Universal in Hollywood.
This pilot program holds significance as it demonstrates how veterans can spearhead safe, ethical, and educational mentorship outside traditional support structures. The event's community-first approach, with all operational roles filled by volunteers, emphasizes service and collaboration over commercial activity, offering a replicable template for other regions. For veterans navigating reintegration, such peer-led initiatives provide vital connection points, while civilians gain structured opportunities to engage with and learn from the veteran community.
Programming included hands-on technology demonstrations introducing artificial intelligence concepts through "vibe coding" on the platform Replit. One session illustrated how a common hospital logistical workflow could be visualized through a rapid, non-HIPAA website mockup, strictly for educational purposes without involving patient data or operational VA systems. Workforce development was another cornerstone, with a Blue-Collar Youth in Trades segment exposing local youth to career pathways in plumbing, electrical work, and general trades, facilitated by veterans and skilled workers discussing mentorship and employment stability.
Additional activities included no-fee participation for local small businesses, recreational gaming, entertainment-industry training led by actor KP Phagnasay from the Netflix series 'Dahmer,' and screenings of international short films with military themes. The event concluded with the Best Film award presented to Ryan Curtis and the team behind 'Fathers and Sons,' a short film exploring intergenerational bonds, duty, and sacrifice. Community partners like the U.S. Army station commander SFC Campos, Fresno Ag hardware store, and American Legion Gaming Vanguard Post 1337 provided support, with the latter being a veteran-led organization dedicated to service and mentorship.
The implications extend beyond Fresno, as the event serves as a pilot for a proposed recurring series at cinemas nationwide. Positive feedback from Fresno VA Medical Center staff, including Claudia Solis, Brian Becker, and Mark Smith, reinforced the value of veteran-led community initiatives for reintegration. Interest from Plant City Premiere Lux 8 near Tampa Bay, Florida, suggests potential scalability, highlighting how such programs can foster veteran leadership, education, and appropriate collaboration with local institutions while strengthening community bonds.
