I apolize if it seems like I am a trouble maker, but a story of this size, should take on a good direction and start, I know Samatha, your intention are will received by me, as I would help in anyway I can to insure that this is a good film with truth behind it. In all the years since I got out of Vietnam, I have run into many wannabe's, believe it or not, even the ones who are only in there 40's are claiming be a Vietnam Veterans, not saying that this is going to happen from Hoonah, but some outside of Hoonah, where there families come from. Again, my apologize, I meant no disrespect.

I was looking at the design on the back of a black jacket in one of your photo's on this site, and that design was made by one of my friends in Angoon, the design was originally made for the veterans from that community, since I had family there, I ask permission to have a jacket made with this design, which I got. I just want to caution you, that this design should not be used in this Doc. until you receive permission from the artist who did this.

Been trying to get ahold of Samatha, and no success, I hope someone will pass this note on to her, that I think that it is important that we talk. I am only trying to insure that she is on the right track to talk with individuals who actually served, and can contribute to this project. Again Mr. Davis, I knew you grandparents, fine people, your grandpa, was the same clan as me, a T'akdeintaan House Master, and grew up with your uncles, Grant, and Larry, I hope things are going will with you. Take care. Are you also on the Board for Huna Totem.

Bravissima Sam!!!! I'm so happy for you!!!!

Congratulations, Sam! I'm proud to have known you way back when....

Congrats, Sam! I can't wait to see the finished product!!

In response to Mr. Bennett, this is the young man that posted the previous comment (I believe you were referencing me) . . . My name is Jeff Davis. I am Chookaneidi, the grandson of William and Martha Davis, and son of Grace (Davis) Villarreal.

I have a tremendous amount of respect for those that served and are currently serving our country. Looking at the history of how the Government has treated Natives in the past, that only adds to the amount of respect that I have for these men and woman.

I completely agree that honor is earned but I feel pride is human nature. I strongly believe that the Tlingit people are a prideful people which is demonstrated through our history and culture. Pride is what pushes me to be a better person and is what should push people to expect more for themselves. Although I haven't served, I still have pride which comes from my family, my community, and my culture. Living in a "Westernized" world, I take pride in educating others about a small little Tlingit village in Alaska that I grew up in. With any achievement/promotion that I earn, I accept it for my family, my community, and my culture and hope that I represent them well.

I share your observation concerning the younger generation and feel a project like this is needed to help inspire them to "step up". In today's society, it seems easy to expect little from yourself, just because you are a kid that grew up in a small Alaskan village (thinking you are at a disadvantage from the start). I am hoping a film like this will shed light on the contributions you can make and how growing up in a village environment (unknown to many) can be seen as a benefit/advantage versus others that grew up in different environment.

I'll admit that I am putting blind faith in Samantha but from reviewing her video and trying to analyze her intentions . . . my impression is that she would strive to tell a truthful tale of the people that served and their experience while serving during that time period (along with it's effect on the community). In order to make it a success, there needs to be people such as yourself to contribute your story and to ensure a truthful story is being told.

Growing up you learn about American History and a little about Alaska History. I feel this is an opportunity to document "Hoonah History" for the younger generation and for the community. I would love to see more projects like this take place to further document "Hoonah's History", whether through film, television or books. Hoping that this history will inspire the future leaders of our community, our culture.

I do share some of your concerns with a project like this but I hope you have a chance to connect with Samantha to provide content and guidance of the appropriate people to talk to. Who better to help tell the story than those that lived it. I too hope that the cultural aspect would play a major part in the theme of the documentary but that is where my blind faith in Samantha comes in.

Congratulations to Samantha on reaching your financial goals and if you don't already know, you carry a large responsibility in telling this story. I mention that the Tlingit people are a very prideful people and this is demonstrated through Mr. Bennett's comments. I hope more people contribute to tell this story and I am hoping that this will be a catalyst for others to learn more about local history and making sure it's history is told.

If you have any questions concerning my comments, please feel free to contact me at davis.jeffrey@hoonahgeek.com. (Sorry for the lengthy comment but wanted to ensure Mr. Bennett of the intention of my original comments and to respond in a respectful manner ). I'm not sharing my cell number :) -- Jeff

This is for the you man who posted his comment, you know there was a time that the term pride and honor used to be earned, I mean when many of us either volunteered or got drafted to go into the service, Hoonah has had veterans from WWI to the Irag war, but now I go home, I don't see to much of the younger generation stepping up. It was the thing to do then, the Warriors mentality, and Honor of our tribe and clan. I hope one day that this will happen again. No dis-respect to the young man and wish you will, yes, if this gives you pride, then I hope that the film will or doc. will tell it in such a way, that it will incorp. the cultural portion along with the military experience.

This is George J. Bennett Sr. and I am from Hoonah, the picture of the guy you have at the very first of the video, is a good friend of my who I grew up with. He never went to Vietnam, in fact in the Hoonah part of your video there are no Vietnam veterans. I went to Nam in 1967-68, and was wounded during TET Offense in January of 1968, I know all the guys who went to Vietnam from Hoonah, and what branch they serve in, and pretty much the years and where they served. The 38 combat Vietnam vet's is far fetch, I know this would be a good story, we that saw combat know the story, and we that grew up in Hoonah know who all was in combat. I know many of them served in the Navy, and only one that know of served in the Makong Delta, with the Revine Force, and the few of us who saw combat, served in the Army, and George Mills wasn't one of them. I would like to see this Doc. get off the ground, but tell the truth, were to small of a community and we all know each other. You can call me if you want, at 907-747-6518 All the rest of the people who commented, I don't know who they are, and who contacted you in the beginning for this doc.

Samantha,
Would love to talk with you about this project. The Huna Heritage Foundation may be able to help with lodging in Hoonah, use of an external drive while here, use of an office here in Juneau to organize, help with outlining who you need to get interviews with etc.
Please email me at heritage@hunatotem.com and maybe we can get some traction on this wonderful project.
Kathryn Hurtley, HHF Director