A thought from the Sioux on this day of thanks...

May the Great Mystery make sunrise in your heart.


(Photo by Sarah Beal. Landing Zone Austin, November 2002.)

What It's All About

A message from Vietnam veteran John Adams:

About this time last year, I first experienced ITSOTB. Truthfully, I really did not see much of it then. Thirty-seven years worth of 'kept tears' poured out from my soul. I was too preoccupied with trying to catch my breath, dry my eyes, and wipe the snot off of my chin. My good friends at the VHCMA in San Antonio this summer gave me pins, wings and such.... and a CD of ITSOTB.

I walked by it with a glance for the longest time. I would think to pick it up and look at the case art, then not. The day finally came to 'buckle in and crank'. Each time that I have seen it, I tear. Each time that I see it, I get better. But I need for you to know this. I see with different eyes. I hear with different ears. There is life in ITSOTB. There are entities of Spirit that fly with 091. When she lifted from her birth and flew up and over 'the wall' in Florida..... with my truthful eyes, I witnessed the entire surface of names on the wall gather as an apparition toward 091 as she pulled pitch, and as she passed up and overhead... they swooped up to her and incarnated themselves to her mission. She lives.

If you saw me turn my head to the theater screen and pause, then speak that 091 had answered every call, was still standing her watch, and was wearing her colors proudly... I was speaking for them. They do not walk our walk, but each and everyone is with us. And they are giving thanks to you and Patrick for their voice.

I love the 173rd AHC. I am proud to be known as Crossbow 39nr. And I thank God for His good work.... 'In the Shadow of the Blade'

What is a blog anyway?

Our new blog (short for "weblog") will take over for the guestbook, which was, sadly, kidnapped by creepy spammers. It's a big loss, because the ITSOB guestbook has been a place where wonderful stories were told and the seeds of miracles were planted. But from now on we will use this space for the same, including posting archival guestbook comments from time to time. It will also be our news forum. A blog is an interactive forum; all you have to do to participate is click on the "comment" section and follow the instructions. We have some security measures in place to cut down on the spam, so your comments will be moderated before they are posted, and you will be asked to type in a code (which prevents machine spammers from posting).

Please write in and post your reactions to the movie or your Vietnam War story. It is really, really easy to post photos to this as well, so if you'd like to contribute a post, just email me (cfries@arrowheadfilms.com) with the text and photo and we'll get 'er done.

Thank You New Braunfels!

Today's hero is Cliff Hyatt, aka Robinhood 21, who put together an incredible event for Vietnam veterans and their families yesterday in New Braunfels. It's like ITSOTB Mission Logistics Coordinator Bob Baird said this morning, "that's the template for taking this film to the screen." A huge salute and thanks to Cliff and all those who helped support the screening of ITSOTB at the beautiful Brauntex Theater. It was great to see so many of our old friends and to make a lot of new ones and to be together, once again "In The Shadow of The Blade."

I'll post (better) photos and more updates soon when Robinhood "Double Knot" John Deer sends his much more professional pictures to me. I'll also be telling you about some of the veterans who are taking great Vietnam causes around this country, several of which were displayed yesterday. Until then, thank you to all who welcomed us to South Texas yesterday. It was an honor. And a good time.

Willkommen! Screening in New Braunfels, Texas

A big thanks in advance to Robinhood 21, aka Cliff Hyatt, who is coordinating a screening this Saturday at the historic Brauntex Theater in New Braunfels, gateway to the Texas Hill Country. VFW Post 7100 is sponsoring the event, including complimentary receptions after the 1:00 and 6:00 showings at their Post on the beautiful Guadalupe River. Looking forward to seeing lots of friends old and new, including special guests General (Retired) Ezell Ware and State Senator Jeff Wentworth. Hope you're there too....

Event sponsors honoring Vietnam veterans and their families:

Performance Food Group, Victoria, TX

World Car Buick, Pontiac, GMC

Clear Springs Café Restaurants

Gruene River Grill

H E B

Sportsman’s Warehouse

Val Mark Chevrolet

Rudy’s Country Store & BBQ

TriCity Distributors (Budweiser)

Logos TO GO

Buckhorn Printing and Supplies

The Wash Tub

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Wal-Mart Supercenter

Robin Hood Vietnam Veterans
John A, Adams Rich Richardson
Ronald Lalli John Deer
Cliff Hyatt