The Military Movies on Mondays event in Fresno demonstrated how veteran-led initiatives can create meaningful educational and workforce development opportunities through community collaboration. Organized by U.S. Army veteran George Ohan with support from VetFlicks CEO Marcus Beaufils, the event brought together veterans, civilians, and local youth for structured programming that emphasized practical skill development and constructive civilian-military engagement.
Artificial intelligence education formed a significant component of the event, with hands-on demonstrations introducing participants to "vibe coding" using the platform Replit. During one session, a civilian participant created a rapid website mockup to illustrate how logistical workflows in hospital settings could be visualized, though organizers emphasized this was strictly for illustrative purposes and did not involve patient data or operational VA systems. This approach demonstrated how AI concepts can be made accessible to diverse community members while maintaining appropriate boundaries around sensitive information.
Workforce development received equal emphasis through the Blue-Collar Youth in Trades segment, which 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, creating connections between experienced professionals and the next generation of tradespeople. The event also included no-fee participation opportunities for local small businesses, recreational gaming, and entertainment-industry training led by professionals including KP Phagnasay, actor from the Netflix series 'Dahmer.'
Community support played a crucial role in the event's success, with 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 rather than commercial activity. The organization behind much of this support, American Legion Gaming Vanguard Post 1337, maintains a website at https://alpost1337.org where interested parties can learn more about their veteran-led community initiatives.
The event's film component highlighted military-themed storytelling, with Ryan Curtis and the team behind 'Fathers and Sons' winning the Best Film award for their exploration of generational bonds, family, duty, and sacrifice. This creative element complemented the practical educational components, providing both entertainment and meaningful reflection on military experiences.
Positive feedback from Fresno VA Medical Center staff, including Claudia Solis, Brian Becker, and Mark Smith, reinforced the value of peer connection and veteran-led community initiatives that support reintegration. As a pilot program, the Fresno gathering established a potential model for replication, with organizers evaluating future iterations that emphasize veteran leadership, education, mentorship, and appropriate collaboration with local institutions. Interest from Plant City Premiere Lux 8 near Tampa Bay, Florida suggests the model may expand to other regions, potentially creating a national network of similar events that leverage veteran expertise to address community needs in education and workforce development.
