It wasn’t until documentary filmmaker and Cal State Bakersfield alumnus Julian Wilson started listening to stories told by American combat veterans that he realized everything they go through, all they experience during wartime, comes home with them.
And stays for a lifetime.
Nearly a year has passed since Wilson screened his first Central Valley Veterans Film Fest to an appreciative audience at Bakersfield’s Fox Theater. Now, Wilson’s love letter to vets, the second annual, is returning on June 5 with new tributes, new stories — each produced and directed by Wilson.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the festival starts at 7 p.m. This is a free event, but tickets must be picked up at the box office.
“People shouldn’t have to pay to see it,” Wilson said.
“Everyone involved is a volunteer. There are no salaries, and all money generated goes to the VFW.”
Thanks to support from sponsors, he is able to cover the cost of event expenses.
One of the reasons Wilson chose to pursue veterans’ stories is because he wanted to understand — and he wants others to understand — why many veterans have struggled in making the transition from combat back to civilian life. Post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, risk of substance abuse and even suicide continue to bedevil many returning veterans.
But for Wilson, it’s even more basic than that.
“I’m doing this, primarily, because they are veterans,” he said. “They are the men and women who served our country in uniform and protected my freedom.
“I stand here because of them. I do what I am doing thanks to them.”
Four films will be screened the night of the film fest. Two are stories of Kern County veterans, and the two others include the story of a World War II soldier from the Bronx, N.Y., who was killed in combat. The fourth is a Vietnam veteran from Tallahassee, Fla.
With the exception of one film, all of the stories are narrated by the veterans themselves.
The films are:
“Vietnam — It Was Our Job — The MSgt. Dan Contreras Story”: Master Sgt. Dan Contreras, who now lives in Bakersfield, joined the U.S. Air Force after receiving a draft notice during the Vietnam War. He served 10 years, first with the 388th Tactical Fighter Squadron as an F-4 Phantom crew chief and later with the 708th Military Airlift Command as a flight engineer on a C-141 Starlifter.
“To Be American — The PFC Melvin Spatz Story,” as told by Mel Weinstein: Born to a Jewish family in Poland, Melvin Spatz immigrated with his parents to the United States in December 1923. He was raised in the Bronx, N.Y., and attended school there, but left early to work at a local laundry. After he was granted permanent citizenship, Spatz was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served with the 417th Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Division under the command of Gen. George S. Patton. Pfc. Spatz died in combat in Germany on Feb. 8, 1945.
“Serving From the Heart — The Col. Washington J. Sanchez Story”: After finishing at the top of his class in high school, Florida native Washington J. Sanchez Jr. enrolled at Florida A&M University, where he majored in mathematics. After earning a commission into the Army as a field artillery officer in 1964, Sanchez served two tours in Vietnam. In November 1965, he was wounded while serving as a forward observer with the 1st Cavalry Division’s Airmobile Company, and was awarded a Purple Heart, as well as a Bronze Star medal with valor. Sanchez went on to serve 27 years in the Army.
“Battle at the Reservoir — The Cpl. Arthur E. Gentry Story”: Born in Los Angeles, Art Gentry decided early that he was ready to see the world. Before finishing high school, and with his parents’ permission, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1948. Gentry fought in the Korean War, serving with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, Easy Company Regiment, 1st Marine Division. The battle at Chosin Reservoir was one of the largest battles of the Korean War, and Gentry remembers the emotion and relief that overcame him when he and his fellow surviving Marines were evacuated from Hamhung with 100,000 North Korean refugees.
Each veteran or his family will be present to accept an award on the veterans’ behalf.
“That’s the twist on this film festival,” Wilson said. “Normally at film festivals, they give the awards to the filmmakers. At this film festival we give the awards to the subjects of the films.
“This is the only place in the country that does that.”
Honor Flight Kern County founder Lili Marsh has known Wilson for years through his involvement locally as a supporter of veterans, veteran events and active-duty military.
“We expect a large number of Honor Flight veterans and volunteers will be in attendance at the film festival again this year,” Marsh said. “Everyone had a wonderful time last year, so we are looking forward to another uplifting evening celebrating heroes.
“Two Honor Flight veterans — Vietnam veteran Danny Contreras and Korean War and Chosin Reservoir hero Art Gentry — will be featured,” she said, “and we are all looking forward to seeing them on the big screen.”
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