A veteran-led community initiative in Fresno has demonstrated a replicable model for structured education, workforce development, and constructive civilian-military engagement, with organizers now planning to expand the program to other cities. The event, titled Military Movies on Mondays, was organized by U.S. Army veteran George Ohan and originated from an idea by VetFlicks CEO Marcus Beaufils, also an Army veteran. Designed as a community-based pilot, the initiative aimed to show how veterans can lead safe, ethical, and educational mentorship programs that benefit both military and civilian populations.
The programming included hands-on demonstrations introducing participants to artificial intelligence concepts through "vibe coding" on the platform Replit. During one session, a civilian participant created a rapid website mockup to illustrate how a common logistical workflow in hospital settings could be visualized, though organizers emphasized the demonstration was strictly illustrative and did not involve patient data or operational VA systems. Workforce development was another central component, with a Blue-Collar Youth in Trades segment introducing local youth to practical career pathways in plumbing, electrical work, and general trades through discussions facilitated by veterans and skilled workers.
Additional activities included no-fee participation for local small businesses, recreational gaming, entertainment-industry training led by KP Phagnasay from the Netflix series 'Dahmer,' and screenings of international short films with military-related themes. The event culminated with the Best Film award going to Ryan Curtis and the team behind 'Fathers and Sons,' a short film exploring generational bonds, family, duty, and sacrifice. Community partners supporting the event included the U.S. Army station commander SFC Campos, Fresno Ag hardware store, and the American Legion Gaming Vanguard Post 1337, with all staffing and operational roles filled by volunteers.
The importance of this initiative lies in its potential to address multiple societal needs simultaneously. For veterans, it provides leadership opportunities and peer connection that support reintegration, with Ohan noting positive reinforcement from Fresno VA Medical Center staff including Claudia Solis, Brian Becker, and Mark Smith. For civilians and youth, it offers structured education, workforce exposure, and positive interaction with military community members. For communities, it creates volunteer-driven programming that emphasizes service and collaboration over commercial activity.
Organizers are currently evaluating future iterations of the program with plans to expand Military Movies on Mondays as a recurring series at local cinemas or theaters across the United States. The model has already generated interest from other venues, including Plant City Premiere Lux 8 near Tampa Bay, Florida. The event was supported by American Legion Gaming Vanguard Post 1337, a veteran-led community organization dedicated to supporting veterans, their families, and the broader public through service, mentorship, and civic engagement. More information about their work can be found at https://alpost1337.org.
This pilot represents a significant development in community-based veteran initiatives because it demonstrates a scalable model that combines education, workforce development, and civilian-military engagement while maintaining veteran leadership. As communities nationwide seek effective approaches to veteran reintegration and cross-community collaboration, this volunteer-supported framework offers a template that emphasizes practical skills, mentorship, and positive interaction without relying on institutional funding or commercial sponsorship.
