Hi gang:
Been doing a lot of thinking, mulching, brain-crunching and such over the last several weeks. Been tossing around some great ideas, or what I hope are great ideas, and think I finally arrived at a conclusion after waking up today at 3:30 AM! 
I've been strongly thinking about creating a documentary instead of writing the book first. Why? Well for one it will give me more creative latitude. Second, I will be able to reach a much broader audience. Three, I can get it out on the market much faster. Four, it will cut my cost factor because I already have the software program which will allow me to produce it myself, and I won't have to rely on a third party to publish it, as I would with a book.
This also allows me to get a product out to the WWII vets quicker than a book. I still plan on doing the book, but as a supplement to the documentary at a later date. As many of my vets remind me; we won't be around too much longer, so... With that in mind...
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I am also going to talk with my lawyer next week regarding the formation of a non-profit organization. With a non-profit I am more likely to get private and public funding for my projects since anyone making contributions will get a tax-deductible deduction. Non-profits are also more likely to get grants. It really makes sense.
One name I am throwing around for my non-profit org is Proud Daughter, Inc. Lee liked the name when I tossed it out this morning.
This post is also a plea to all my vets, and their families; if you have any stories, photos, diaries, etc. to share, DO IT NOW. I realize that it's sometimes difficult to get items together to send to me, but time is of the essence. I am going to spend all fall and winter working on this documentary and if you want to be included FOREVER in this project, I gotta hear from you now and not later!!! 
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I am also encouraging people to grab a video camera or a tape recorder and put it on CD or DVD and mail it to me. If doesn't have to be fancy, or long, but any content is greatly appreciated. Have a family member of friend record you sitting on the couch and talking about any aspect of the war. If you need some coaching, print out a copy of my QUESTIONS FOR VETS, and comment about one, two, three, or as many as you would like. Turn on a tape recorder, or turn on the microphone on your computer and record some feelings or recollections from the war years. Anything. I would love to include it in the documentary. Don't worry about quality as I will be editing. I just want input!!! 
If you are thinking of submitting anything to me at all, try and get it to me by the end of the year (this year that is!). I'm shooting for that deadline. THANKS! 
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
