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First, I apologize in advance if some of you have already received this email.
We hope this email finds you well. Please continue to read towards the end regarding our "1More Blu-ray Campaign" and what this means.
Before we get there though, I thought I would bring you up to speed on all that has transpired over the past year.
It was a year ago that Scramble the Seawolves was premiered on the flight deck of the USS Midway. Wow, what a magical evening for all. Shortly after, we had our first broadcast debut on KPBS here in San Diego and then was approved for National Distribution through NETA in March of this year. The first broadcasts of the film took place close to Memorial Day. So far, Scramble the Seawolves has aired in 46 States and on over 274 different PBS Stations. While this really is a fantastic start, our goal is to have this shown on EVERY PBS Station in the country and are anticipating a HUGE showing on or close to Veterans Day in November. We continue to be relentless as we market to each and every Station individually, but we are certainly making progress.
The feedback received has been absolutely amazing and we know that the stories in the film are having a very real and positive impact on so many lives across the country. With that said, the TV broadcast is great, but if you happen to have the Blu-ray of the "Extended Version" of the film, which I know you do :), we know that you have the best version of the story as it includes the stories of 3 of the 5 Navy Cross Recipients. The "spirit of the Seawolf" is something truly special and all the men in the film and ALL of those that were a part of the Squadron are true heroes!
We have done screenings of Scramble the Seawolves at NAS Fallen, NAS North Island, Navy Post Postgraduate School in Monterey, Navy Academy and as well a virtual screening through the US Naval Institute. Additionally, there have been several other screenings throughout the country, hosted by local Seawolves as well as 2 screenings recently that Jeff and I facilitated. One took place in Peoria Illinois at WTVP and the second, in my hometown of Bloomington, Illinois. Both were a "packed house".
In April, Scramble the Seawolves won Best Feature Documentary at the San Diego Film Awards and will also be showcased at the GI Film Festival, September 29th here in San Diego as part of the Local Film Showcase. What a tremendous honor! My Dad, Joe Crutcher, your current Seawolf Association President and very proud Dad, has attended each and every event not only to support us, but to so proudly represent ALL Seawolves. Many Seawolves have carved out time to participate and support the screenings and events as well. Jeff and I are so very grateful!
We have been involved with the VA as part of their Congressional Mandated Vietnam Era Educational Initiative. 14 VA "Hubs" across the country received a grant and were tasked delivering curriculum and training to those that specifically serve the Vietnam Veteran Community (Healthcare providers, Psychologists, etc.) We were involved in one of the seminars in West Los Angeles where they used several of the segments of the film to support the curriculum, specifically Tet and the PTSD and Coming Home section as it related to Moral Injury and PTSD (Survivors Guild, Startle Effect, etc.).
Jeff and I sat in on the training with tears in our eyes. It was as if the stories in the film, shared by those that lived them, complimented the curriculum perfectly. Our Mission is to get Scramble the Seawolves in to each of the additional "Hubs" across the country and as well in to the 6100 VA Centers, so that this film and the Seawolf story will help those that serve our Veterans. This really is the launch of our Educational Initiative.
Our immediate focus at the moment is not only to continue our focus on National Distribution through PBS, but to official launch our Educational Campaign, where we intend to market the film and the license to High Schools, Colleges, Universities and Libraries across the country. It goes without saying, there is a tremendous amount of learning opportunities in the film, not to mention the uniqueness of the Squadron and the life-saving contribution the Seawolves made during the Vietnam War and to our American Military History. We feel an overwhelming conviction that this story HAS to be in classrooms and lecture halls across the Country.
For Jeff and I, we know how much this story means to each and every one of the Seawolves, their families and to the men who credit the Seawolves to saving their lives in the Delta. We have heard from countless Vietnam Veterans across the country who have shared that the words spoken in the film are the words that they have not been able to share, but that this is their story too. Families have sent us emails letting us know that they finally understand. Americans from all walks of life have written us, thanking us for telling this story and are blown away and emotionally moved by this untold story. What we have learned over the past year is that there is a genuine need for this story and it is changing lives. Thank God.
With all of that said, we have some pretty BIG plans for Scramble the Seawolves.
We are actively looking to raise funds that will assist us in this next stage of "self-distribution", covering costs associated with managing the Educational License Campaign and our continued marketing efforts to PBS Stations across the country. Funds will also allow us the opportunity to continue to carry this story forward as we facilitate and attend screenings of Scramble the Seawolves across the country. In November, we have an opportunity to travel to Branson Missouri for a screening of Scramble the Seawolves during Veterans Week. Huge opportunity to share this story with thousands.
If you'd like to help, there are 3 ways to help!
1) First, consider purchasing "1 more Blu-ray" of Scramble the Seawolves. Perhaps you know of someone you would like to mail a copy to? Please know that there will be delay in shipping this time around as we are awaiting on an additional shipment of Blu-rays. We hope you don't mind waiting just a bit for your Blu-ray. Thank you, in advance, for your understanding. Proceeds from every additional Blu-ray sold will go directly towards our "mission" above and yes, even 1 blu-ray makes a difference. To purchase the bluray, visit www.scrambletheseawolves.com
2) Public Performing Rights License of Scramble the Seawolves. The Public Performing Rights License will allow you to show the film publicly in your community, either at a VFW, local Theater, etc. Feel free to email us at seawolvesdoc@gmail.com if you want to show the film and we'll discuss the logistics with you personally.
3) Continue to share this special story with your friends and family.
We know that we have only scratched the surface and we remain focused on our goal, which is to ensure that EVERY American has the opportunity to hear the story of the Seawolves and learn of this very unique piece of history.
The best is yet to come, we truly believe that! Thank you for entrusting us with YOUR Story!!!
Sincerely,
Shannon Arballo
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