Veteran-Led Fresno Community Event Demonstrates Innovative Collaboration Between Veterans, Civilians, and VetFlicks at the Historic Crest Theatre
Organized by two U.S. Army veterans, the volunteer-run pilot combined AI education, blue collar skilled trades mentorship, actor training, and film programming, highlighting constructive civilian–military engagement.
A veteran-led, volunteer-run pilot blending AI, skilled trades, small business, and military films—activating the historic Crest Theatre as a shared space for civilian–military connection.
FRESNO, CA, January 01, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — A veteran-led, volunteer-supported community event was held Monday in Fresno, bringing together veterans, civilians, and local youth for structured education, workforce exposure, and constructive civilian–military engagement.
The event, titled Military Movies on Mondays, was organized by George Ohan, a U.S. Army veteran, former staff sergeant, and current patient at the Fresno Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The idea originated with Mr. Marcus Beaufils, CEO of VetFlicks, who is also a U.S. Army veteran, and formerly worked in film distribution at NBC Universal in Hollywood. Designed as a community-based pilot, the initiative aimed to demonstrate how veterans can lead safe, ethical, and educational mentorship.
Programming included hands-on demonstrations introducing participants to artificial intelligence concepts through “vibe coding” on the platform Replit. During one session attended by a VA employee, a civilian participant created a rapid, non-HIPAA, non-factual website mockup to illustrate how a common logistical and inventory-related workflow in hospital settings could be visualized. The demonstration was limited strictly to illustrative purposes and did not involve patient data, protected health information, or operational VA hospital systems.
Workforce development was also a central component of the event. A Blue-Collar Youth in Trades segment introduced local youth to practical career pathways in plumbing, electrical work, and general trades. Veterans and skilled workers facilitated discussions focused on mentorship, skill development, and long-term employment stability.
Additional activities included no-fee table set up participation for local small businesses, recreational gaming, entertainment-industry training, and screenings of international short films and centered on military-related themes. KP Phagnasay, actor from the Netflix series ‘Dahmer’ led the high energy talent training workshops.
The event was supported by community partners including the U.S. Army station commander SFC Campos, Fresno Ag hardware store, and the American Legion Gaming Vanguard Post 1337. All staffing and operational roles were filled by volunteers, reinforcing a community-first approach centered on service and collaboration rather than commercial activity.
Congratulations are in order to Ryan Curtis and the entire team behind ‘Fathers and Sons’ short film for taking home the Best Film award at the inaugural “Military Movies on Mondays” event! This powerful upcoming feature explores the complex and often unspoken bonds between generations, weaving themes of family, duty, sacrifice, and reconciliation with raw authenticity.
Mr. George Ohan noted that positive conversations and encouragement from staff at the Fresno VA Medical Center, including Claudia Solis, Brian Becker, and Mark Smith, helped reinforce the value of peer connection, veteran-led community-based initiatives that support reintegration, and positive civilian–military interaction.
The Fresno gathering served as an inaugural pilot for Military Movies on Mondays, a proposed recurring series intended to take place on Mondays at local cinemas or theaters across the USA. Organizers are currently evaluating future iterations of the program with an emphasis on veteran leadership, education, mentorship, and appropriate collaboration with local institutions.
Since the event passed, Plant City Premiere Lux 8 near Tampa Bay, Florida have reached out and shown interest in hosting a similar event at their cinema.
American Legion Gaming Vanguard Post 1337 is a veteran-led community organization dedicated to supporting veterans, their families, and the broader public through service, mentorship, and civic engagement. The post focuses on creating inclusive spaces where veterans can lead educational, workforce, and community-building initiatives. Through volunteer-driven programs and partnerships with local institutions, Vanguard Post 1337 emphasizes responsible veteran leadership, peer connection, and constructive civilian–military collaboration while upholding the core values of The American Legion.
Website: https://alpost1337.org
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