When Arlington National Cemetery made plans to display a statue of a military bugler playing TAPS in the new Welcome Center they chose SSG Jesse Tubb, a bugler in The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" to be the model. This film tells the story of the significance of TAPS, the amazing process of creating the statue and capturing the right moment in time that tells the story of the musicians who honor our fallen at Arlington National Cemetery.

"In Arlington" is a poem written by Bob Martin as a tribute and recognition of the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A team comprised of current and retired members of The United States Army Band produced the video which is introduced by actor Gary Sinise.

Dan Smith, Producer
Bob McDonald, Narrator
Sara Corry, Composer
Les Owen, Video Producer
Craig Lauinger, Audio Engineer

In the 1940's the Allied forces were fighting a vicious, ruthless enemy set on ruling the world. From the imagination of Winston Churchill came Special Force Commando Units that would prove so effective as to change the course of the war. The First Special Service Force, the first combined Canadian and U.S. combat unit, commanded by their entrepid Colonel, Robert T. Frederick, was perhaps the most famous of such units. Due to their ferocious killing skills and blackened faces for night raids the fearful Germans gave them the nickname The Black Devils. Filmmaker, Les Owen, traveled with former Black Devils and their families, from Helena Montana where they originally trained, to the mountains, beaches and villages of Italy and France that were liberated by The Black Devils during WWII. "Victory Remembered" tells the compelling and emotional story of their bravery, commitment and victories in the face of overwhelming odds as well as their legacy today. In 2015 they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor the US government can bestow. The inspiring stories of personal courage as told by family members and the veterans themselves remind us what it takes to defend freedom.

The United States Military Academy at West Point uniquely reflects our country's society and today is an example of how diversity makes our country and our military stronger than ever. video by Les Owen

At a time when relations between the U.S. and China are delicate, The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" visited China as guests of the People's Liberation Army Band. The shared experience of music as a common language showed how we can rise above political differences and become friends.

This short film, a story about grief, guilt and madness, was a project inspired when I learned that my musically talented friend, James McKenzie, whom I had known through my own music career, was studying acting. As most of my work had been as a documentary film maker I was excited to stretch a bit and, with the help of James, wanted to attempt a dramatic scene. James asked his acting class partner, Christine Goepfert, to do a scene they had rehearsed in class. They chose this scene from "Proof", written by David Auburn. None of us had filmed a dramatic scene before so we were eager to put the process together as best we could. Another talented friend, Tony Nalker, agreed to compose the soundtrack and yet another musician/actor friend of mine, Maria Rohde, was Assistant Director. I'm extremely proud of everyone's effort and the fact we got it done under a very restricted schedule. Although the pre-production planning took weeks, it was shot it in two days. We hope to keep moving forward with more projects!
Les Owen,
Director

FSSF Gold Medal Ceremonies (56:50)

Explore the process of three composers who each contributed in his own unique way to create the music for the documentary "Victory Remembered, Legacy of The Black Devils". Interviews with Adrian Hernandez, Paul Murtha and Steve Owen show us the creative process at work and give us insight into the personal reflections and emotions each composer brings to this film.

Journey to Park Joy was inspired by my 6 year old son’s journey to walk and the people we met along the way. While we practiced walking with Tejas’ walker (in our neighborhood, at the mall, at the park), we often met three types of people: those who felt sorry for us, those who were genuinely kind to us and those who did not notice us one way or the other. The interaction between Tejas and the three types of people we met on this journey forms the basis of this story. - Gauri Paydenkar

Written by Gauri Paydenkar
Illustrated by Alexander Rosenberg
Narrated by Henry Nalker
Music by Tony Nalker
Video produced by Les Owen, Treehouse Dreams Films

"Sons of Soldiers" is the story of the Perez family's multi-generational commitment to serving in the United States Army following Grandpa's example in WWII where he received a Purple Heart. The sacrifices and challenges of each generation reflects the lives and sacrifices of all Army families. Produced & directed by MSG Les Owen. Original score by SSG James Kazik, performed by The United States Army Band.

Musician MSG Liesl Whitaker reflects on her career as a trumpet player in the military as she prepares to retire. Photo by Mark Wood).

We join The United States Army Band as it prepares for a performance of "Spirit of America" only to find that space for the musicians to warm-up is limited. One tuba player finally finds a place to practice but as fate would have it he is momentarily distracted by something shiny which leads to a sudden and untimely accident. None-the-less, the show must go on! (Mockumentary)
Video by Les Owen