Newsletter #3
It was a packed house at the Woodstock Community Center on July 16 for the benefit concert in support of the Why Can't We Serve documentary project. A silent auction was also held at the event.
JULY 25, 2016

Dear Donors,

This is our third newsletter to keep you informed about the latest progress in the making of the Why Can’t We Serve documentary. As of July 25, 2016, we are moving to another level as we've begun public showings of our new six-minute trailer. The trailer consists of clips of interviews we did with three inspiring veterans. Please click on the link and watch the trailer if you haven’t already  seen it.  Watch the trailer.

The Why Can’t We Serve team organized a very successful benefit concert which took place on Saturday, July 16, in Woodstock NY. The good vibes from the evening were over the top! The music was great and the community came through, helping with setup and breaking things down at the end of the concert. Our fund raising efforts, however, fell short of our wishes for the event, but the ripple effect of the positive energy generated has been wonderful and continues to bring in contributions.

Next Steps. We have tentative plans to interview Congressman Chris Gibson in August and we are planning to secure a few interviews with other congressmen and senators, possibly with a trip to Washington, D.C.

When taking on a creative endeavor we must be flexible enough to flow with where the creative energy takes us. This is somewhat challenging to me because it means that my initial vision must change, and hopefully for the better. The change we are making now has to do with the understanding that we cannot cover, in depth, all of what I had hoped for in this documentary. So, instead of focusing on all people with disabilities, we are now going to focus specifically on soldiers who are wounded in combat and other disabled veterans. If our film helps the military shift its policy toward inclusion of disabled soldiers, then all people with disabilities will eventually reap the rewards from this positive change. However, I still plan to make it clear in the documentary that all people with disabilities have the ability and enthusiasm to participate responsibly in the military in noncombat jobs.

Needs. We are still seeking one or two celebrities to visibly support the project as well as one or two national organizations to endorse us. I have no doubt they will appear, but sooner would be better than later. The celebrities will help us raise the funds we need to complete the documentary. The organizations will give us national visibility and credibility. Any help toward securing these would be greatly appreciated. Please forward this newsletter to anybody whom you think would be interested. Donations are being accepted through Pay Pal on our website, www.whycantweserve.com.

In closing this newsletter, I’d like to let all of you know how grateful I feel as I work toward the completion of this documentary. The work has moved my life forward in many wonderful ways. I am happy and focused on the task at hand. I have meaningful work that I strongly believe can and will make a difference in the lives of Veterans and all people with disabilities. It doesn’t get much better than that!

And lastly, if you click the link below you will go to a song that I sang with two amazing singers, Amy Fradon and Leslie Ritter, as the encore song at the concert. Watch and listen to Marty, Amy, and Leslie.

Blessings, Love and Light,

Marty Klein