Vince Vargas teams with vets to create documentary about MOH recipient & his Marines

Apr 29, 2020 4:01 PM PDT

1 minute read

SUMMARY

“On a dusty road in western Iraq, Corporal Dunham gave his life so that others might live.” Those words were spoken by President George W. Bush during the Medal of Honor ceremony for Corporal Jason Dunham, who became the first Mari…

"On a dusty road in western Iraq, Corporal Dunham gave his life so that others might live."

Those words were spoken by President George W. Bush during the Medal of Honor ceremony for Corporal Jason Dunham, who became the first Marine honored with the MOH since the Vietnam War.

After years of friendship with the family and friends of Dunham, Navy veteran David Kniess has joined with Army vet Vince Vargas to tell the story of the men of Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines — and the story of how Dunham sacrificed himself for his brothers.

"This film truly is by veterans, for veterans," shared Kniess, stressing the significance that "all of them understand the importance of telling this story."

"Many years ago, I had a chance meeting with Corporal Dunham before he went to Iraq. That chance meeting led to life-long friendships with the Dunham Family and a core group of Marines who served with Corporal Dunham. I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly over the past 15 years… PTS, drug and alcohol abuse, and in some cases suicide. It's been an extremely hard road for some of them," he said.

This is why he has chosen to create this film, one that will feel very familiar to those who have lost someone to war.

The Gift | Documentary Sizzle

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"What do you say to the parents of the guy who gave his life for you? What do you tell them?" asked Cpl Kelly Miller, who served with Dunham.

Kniess has tried to make the film before, "but the Marines of Kilo weren't ready, and quite frankly, neither was I. It was too soon. Every year during the month of April and the anniversary of Corporal Dunham's death, I would remind myself of the story I needed to finish. 15-years later that time is now."

On Nov. 10, 2019, Kniess and 4 Kilo Marines went to San Diego to record Jocko's Podcast, episode 203, One Man Can Make a Difference. The next day, they launched an Indiegogo campaign to try and raise more funding to keep the project moving forward.

"The story will be told through present day interviews with the Dunham family as well as the Marines who served with Corporal Dunham, including Kelly Miller and Bill Hampton whose lives he saved. You will learn the circumstances surrounding Corporal Dunham's sacrifice and the tragic outcome of his actions."

To learn about the day Dunham was attacked in Western Iraq, including images of the team and first-hand reporting, check out their indiegogo campaign. If you feel moved to contribute, great. If you can share their story, that's important, too.[instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B5vdtZQJmTi/ expand=1]The Gift on Instagram: “A decision... Do nothing and we all die... do something and my Marines will live. This is what was left of Corporal Dunham’s Kevlar helmet…”