News

Thinking About Our Marywood Screening and A Quiet Hero: Dr. Rex Dumdum

Written by Tony Mussari
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Kitch and Tony Mussari
Copyright 2014
Mussari-Loftus Associates
The Face of America Project

Be good to your work, your word, and your friend. Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Setting

This week, our Face of America journey took us to the Nazareth Student Center at Marywood University for a special event. On this April evening, Kitch and I would experience the magic of Dr. Rex Dumdum’s leadership skills.

We met Rex last year at the annual ethics conference, and we became fast friends. Three weeks ago we were reunited at the 12th annual ethics conference. Rex attended every one of the sessions, and he moderated the evening panel discussion.

Rex is an Associate Professor of Information Systems and Leadership. Everyone should be so fortunate to have a teacher or a friend like Rex. He is thoughtful and generous with his time and his talent. His greatest assets are his welcoming way, his million dollar smile and his positive sense of humor.

As a member of the business division at Marywood University, Rex is shaping lives one person at a time. He does it the old fashioned way with a sterling example of what it means to be a decent, good and kind person.

His leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in service to others. His word is his bond, and competence is his brand.

When Louisa May Alcott wrote these words, she described Rex:

Simple, genuine goodness is the best capital to found the business of this life upon. It lasts when fame and money fail, and is the only riches we can take out of this world with us.

The Marywood Screening

Before the ethics conference ended, Rex proposed the idea of a screening of Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg for his students. After consultations with his colleagues, the idea was expanded to include students in the business division and other interested students and invited guests. Then, Dr. “D” as he is affectionately known to his students, invested the time and energy needed to attend to all of the details for the event with dignity and class. As with everything he does, Dr. “D” did it with enthusiasm, and he personalized the experience for students and faculty members.

With the encouragement and help of Dr. Art Comstock, he arranged a dinner for seven of his colleagues in the business division, and he graciously invited Kitch and me to the dinner which preceded the screening. This beautiful community moment enabled people to relax, get to know one another and talk about things relating to the screening, the leadership conference and ways we can help students better understand traditional concepts of character, courage, honor, humility, integrity, and selfless service.

Kitch and I were fascinated by Fulbright Scholar Rodica Milena Zaharia’s assessment of her experiences in America. Rodica is a woman filled with the gift of loving kindness.

Dr. Chris Speicher introduced Karwan Murad to the members of our screening family. Karwan is a young physician from Iraq. He told us about his journey to Marywood University, and his hopes and dreams for his two-year visit in America.

Dr. Sarah Kenehan and Dr. Murray Pyle shared the good news about Marywood University’s second place finish in the Fleming Ethics Bowl competition and the challenges they face as they prepare students for another competition in Arizona.

Kitch and Chris Speicher shared stories about family members who played bridge together for many years.

For almost an hour this small section of the student dining hall was filled with the sounds of laughter, delight, joy and learning. It reminded me of joyful times spent at our kitchen table with family and friends during the holidays.

At the appointed time, Rex led the way to the large room above the main dining room. When the elevator door opened, Kitch and I were delighted to see one of our former students, Stephanie Seese. She came to the student center to say hello. She could not stay for the screening, but her decision to spend a few minutes with us was a priceless gift.

When we entered the room where the screening would take place, the words of Anna Sewell came to mind:

It is good people who make good places.

The Event

In keeping with his generous nature, Dr. “D” made sure that light refreshments were available for everyone who attended the screening. The students loved the cookies and soft drinks.

As with all screenings, Kitch and I were anxious. Dr. “D” reduced our anxiety levels when he told us the technology for projecting the film had been tested. To guarantee the success of the event, he went the extra mile. He learned how to operate the equipment so everything would run smoothly, and his hard work paid off.

When the lights dimmed, the sound of silence documented the engagement of the viewers.

The Marywood screening was a success on many levels. The room was packed. The students were attentive. The comments after the screening were affirming and insightful. The conversations we had with students, faculty and invited guests were complimentary and very encouraging. They liked the story. They connected with the message, and as one student told us, “I have a better understanding of humility and the power of gratitude.”

Another guest summarized the documentary with these words:

I enjoyed the documentary. It was an experience that I was happy to have in my life. It renewed faith in my beliefs and I really hope this can shape a way for people in the future. Your documentary is a moving lesson from beginning to end.

The most poignant comments about the documentary and the screening were recorded e-mails from students:

There was something you said tonight that really stayed with me, it was regarding the burdens that we all bear and how we cannot allow those burdens to stop us from doing what is right.

The film gave me hope… simply put, it is desperately needed today, and I sincerely hope you get the opportunity and funding to distribute it to every school in America.

One of the highlights of the evening happened when I presented a gratitude gift to Rex. His eyes sparkled, and a glowing smile of surprise filled his face. There was a moment of silence and then he filled the room with the sound of his one word reaction WOW!

Rex brought the evening to a close with kind comments about the production, and he thanked everyone for making the screening a success.

As we left the Nazareth Student Center with our dear friend Sister Mariam, the words of one of America’s best reverberated in my brain:

There are two things that men should never weary of, goodness and humility; we get none too much of them in this rough world among cold, proud people. Robert Louis Stevenson

Thank you, Dr."D".

Thank you, members of the Marywood faculty, staff and student body.

Thank you, Dr. Art Comstock and the business division.

Thank you, Kitch.

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

America At Its Best in Baltimore
Mary Jane Norris: A Radiant Face of America
Written by Tony Mussari
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Copyright 2014, All Rights Reserved
The Face of America Project
Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD

Simple, genuine goodness is the best capital to found the business of this life upon. It lasts when fame and money fail, and is the only riches we can take out of this world with us. Louisa Mary Alcott

On a blustery and overcast March morning, we began our Face of America Journey to Baltimore, Maryland. Our destination was the Sparrows Point Country Club, a beautiful facility located on the water’s edge of Chesapeake Bay Tributaries. We knew we could not make the trip in one day so we stayed overnight in the Best Western Plus Hotel and Convention Center.

It was a wise choice. The atmosphere was pleasant. The facility was clean, and the members of the staff treated us with courtesy and respect. We had a wonderful meal in the dining room thanks to our waitress Emma and the chef. They went out of their way to accommodate our dietary restrictions.

After a good night’s sleep, we packed our bags, and we made our way to Sparrows Point to attend the15th Annual Women in Maritime History Awards ceremony. Our dear friend Mary Jane Norris was the honoree.

Mary Jane is Manager, Port Operations Services for the Port of Baltimore. She personifies everything that is admirable, decent, good, inspirational, kind and wholesome about our country.

Everything about Mary Jane affirms what Emerson wrote about friendship:

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship.

Everything about the Women in Maritime History event, the location, the table arrangements, the food, the participants, the speakers and the message they share, speaks to America at its best.

The program began with the Presentation of the Colors by a group of high school students, the Pledge of Allegiance and a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.

A memorial tribute to Tony Buccini an outstanding employee of the Port of Baltimore, a young father and a courageous warrior who inspired his colleagues during his battle with cancer, brought tears to the eyes of many in attendance.

Rev. Mary Davisson, Director of the Baltimore International Seafarers’ Center touched the heart of everyone in the room with her 106-word gratitude invocation:

Gracious and loving God, thank you for the astounding energy and dedication of our honoree, our speakers, and everyone assembled here. Thank you for all the gifts which you give us to share, and for the generosity of planners and donors who made this celebration possible. Watch over the port community. Help us to treat one another, working at sea or in the port, with wisdom and justice. Stir us up to share with future generations the privilege of faithful work, and grateful generosity. And now, bless all who grow and transport and prepare and serve our food, and fill this time with your presence. Amen.

Kathleen Broadwater, Deputy Director of the Maryland Port Administration, introduced Mary Jane, with carefully chosen words designed to draw a memorable word picture of this vibrant woman with a million dollar smile: inspirational, engaged, an encyclopedia of Baltimore and the port, the Mayor of the port and one of its best ambassadors, a woman of integrity and loyalty, a problem-solver, a true leader who is respected at all levels and sectors of the industry.

Mary Jane accepted the Woman of the Year Award. She carefully placed it on the table in front of the podium. She then took a deep breath, smiled and shared these ten points to describe the secret to her success in business and in life:

1. Provide opportunities to others. If you don’t step down, how can others step up?

2. Affirm others with kind words and kind acts.

3. Put God first, then family and friends.

4. Never give up on your education. Once you have it, it’s yours forever.

5. Show interest in opportunities to learn in informal ways. Find a group that aligns with your interests and goals.

6. Get involved by offering to help.

7. Seek out role models and mentors who can teach you what you need to know.

8. Work like everyone is watching you, because inevitably someone is watching you.

9. Do small things well, because they all add up.

10. Do what you say you are going to do, because it’s the basis of your reputation.

When Mary Jane finished her remarks, she received a well-deserved and enthusiastic standing ovation.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Dawn Lindsay, President of Anne Arundel Community College, added more joy to Mary Jane’s moment when she spoke these words: Mary Jane Norris is a great choice for this award.

Dr. Lindsay gave an insightful and informative speech about the role of women in the transportation industry. For every fact she presented, she had a practical and wise suggestion:

1. To encourage more women to get involved in the transportation industry she recommended the creation of an internal leadership program to prepare the next generation.

2. To guarantee quality replacements when incumbent leaders retire, she proposed a succession plan.

3. Because Gen X and Gen Y employees think about work differently than Millennials, she suggested making the work environment more appealing and enjoyable.

4. To help employees advance, she emphasized the importance of mentoring programs.

Dr. Lindsay is a very effective speaker. She knows how to craft sentences that register with her audience. These are a few examples:

We must choose to encourage one another.

We must give back knowledge to the next generation and work collectively and creatively to attract women.

The working world has changed, and we must enlist allies who will give honest feedback to help women reach their goal.

We must hold ourselves accountable.

Women need to empower other women.

You can either push down or pull up. Let’s pull up.

This is sound advice from a woman who made it to the top of her profession, advice that enabled Mary Jane Norris to make it to the top in her chosen profession.

When Dr. Lindsay finished her remarks, she took her place on a panel with Lorraine Andrews-Warnick, Living Classrooms Foundation Director of Masonville Cove Environmental Education Campus, Diane Young, Supervisor for Technical Programs in the Career and Technical Office for Baltimore Public Schools, and LCDR Stephanie Morrison, Chief of Waterways Management Division at Coast Guard Sector Baltimore.

Each panel member responded to questions posed by Mistress of Ceremonies Cecilia ‘Cece’ Donovan.

These are a few of the starred thoughts from the discussion:

Kids are not growing up with soft skills and experience in workplace values. (Lorraine Andrews-Warnick)

Our students don’t know what they don’t know. We need to establish teacher externships. (Diane Young)

Mentorships, formal and informal, are very valuable. (LCDR Stephanie Morrison)

Internships and mentoring are very important to find out about the field. For students to grow, it is important that they find a person they would like to be like. (Dr. Dawn Lindsay)

The panel identified several values that students should cultivate if they want to live successful and productive lives.

1. Respect for self and others.

2. A strong work ethic.

3. Set short and long-term realistic goals.

4. Accept responsibility for your actions.

5. Think about what you can do for others.

6. Competence.

7. Integrity.

8. Honesty.

9. Commitment.

10. Cultivate the gift of an open mind.

Mary Jane Norris knows in very real ways the importance of these values. She has made them an essential part of her personal honor code. That is why she received this prestigious award. That is why so many people came forward after the event to express their congratulations and best wishes. That is why she is a quiet hero and a radiant face of America on its best day.

As Kitch and I made our way to the parking lot, we were taken by the beauty of this place and the moment we had just experienced. Looking at the American flag flying majestically in the cold March wind, two thoughts reverberated in my heart and my mind:

When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves. William Arthur Ward

Good people make good places. Anna Sewell

On this wonderful day, the room overlooking the rippling water of the Chesapeake Bay was filled with the sights and sounds of good people who represent America at its best.

In our humble opinion, it was a very good place to be.

(Digital pictures by Kitch and Tony Mussari)

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

Starred Thoughts about Leadership, Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility

Written by Tony Mussari
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Copyright 2014 All rights reserved
The Face of America Project
Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD

Somebody once said that in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if you don’t have the first, the other two will kill you. Warren Buffett

On a beautiful March day, our Face of America journey took us to Marywood University for the 12th Annual Conference on Ethics, Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility. The theme of the conference was Professional Ethics and the Individual. The setting was pleasant. The participants were welcoming, and the presenters provided a cornucopia of beautiful thoughts about ethical behavior and responsibility.

The featured speakers included Edward K. Krause, Global Manager, External Alliance, Research and Advanced Engineering, Ford Motor Company, Atty. Mark L. Hefter, Vice President, American Technion Society, Dr. Sarah Kenehan, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Marywood University and Dr. Rodica Milena Zaharia, Fulbright Scholar, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania.

Dr. Uldarico Rex Dumdum, a man with a sharp mind, keen instincts and a joyful approach to life moderated the evening panel discussion.

Marywood students told the story about the work of the University’s Net Impact Club and the Fleming Ethics Bowl Team.

Dr. Frances Zauhar, Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Dr. Arthur Comstock, Chairman of the Department of Managerial Science at Marywood, offered warm remarks of welcome. They made everyone feel right at home.

Dr. Murray Pyle chaired the committee that organized the conference, and he did a wonderful job as the MC for the event.

Starred Thoughts

These are some of the transformational thoughts offered by the conference speakers:

1. Virtue ethics is a way of living.

2. Good values contribute to good behavior.

3. There is no dichotomy between being a good person and being a success in business.

4. The rules of ethics do not get in the way of making a profit.

5. We must rethink what a corporation is. It’s not just about maximizing profit. It’s about servicing societal demands and the public good.

6. There is no one approach to doing the right thing.

7. There is no conflict between doing the right thing and being successful.

8. There is no difference between giving your word and signing a contract.

9. If you say you are going to do something, do it.

10. You should not quit every time you have two bad days in a row.

11. Determine your ethics before the crisis develops.

12. You are not your job.

13. You can’t be honest without courage.

14. Courage is like muscle. The more you use it the more it develops.

15. You can be ethical and prosper.

Magic Moments

For Kitch and me, there were several magic moments during our 12-hour visit to Marywood. These are but a few:

Dr. Sarah Kenehan brought the concept of Virtue Ethics to life in an impressive and unforgettable way. If truth be told, she brought the teaching of the ancients to life, and she established a philosophical foundation for ethics, character and integrity that all students should be taught.

Listening to Dr. Rodica Zaharia talk about the difference between Romania under Communist rule and after the fall of Communism was interesting, inspiration and thought-provoking. Dr. Zaharia is a soft spoken person of great dignity and class. She has lived the story she told about Romania’s yesterday and today.

Without breaking the rules of confidentiality, Mark Hefter shared an experience he had as a fundraiser with a major donor. It was a compelling story about a difficult decision he had to make even though his colleagues did not think it necessary. In so doing, he served everyone in the room by introducing the dilemmas professionals face in a real world.

Edward Krause began his presentation with a very clear disclaimer that the story “has nothing to do with his present employer, the Ford Motor Company, and the names have been changed to protect the innocent.” Then he walked us through a case study about a faulty product that presented a number of ethical and legal issues for both the company and its higher level managers including himself. In a thoughtful and effective way, he used the “FluidTech” case study to demonstrate the importance of making the right decisions for the right reasons. In this case, it meant his resignation from a position he enjoyed.

Kitch and I were impressed by the students we met at Marywood. The officers of the Net Impact Club were disciplined, thoughtful and respectful.

The members of the Fleming Ethics Bowl Team made a wonderful presentation. In a very professional way, they reached out for feedback to strengthen their case. They wanted to learn and grow. They asked good questions and they listened intently to people who offered suggestions. Their teachers and parents have every reason to be proud of their accomplishments.

During her opening remarks, Dr. Zauhar asked this question: “What does it mean to be a good person in business?” Thanks to the pioneering efforts of Dr. Gale Jaeger that question has become the foundation of the conference. For twelve years the administration, faculty and staff at Marywood University has made an honorable effort to answer that question in a way that will give students a competitive advantage in the workplace while guaranteeing them what Dr. Kenehan calls “a way of living, flourishing and being happy in the act of living well.”

Those of us who have experienced the bumps on the road of life know only too well that sometimes it is difficult to be a good person and do the right thing, but it is the only way to live a life without regrets.

On a cold March day, Kitch and I went to Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and there we found a mosaic of the Face of America on its best day. It is an image we will not soon forget.

Thank you, Gale Jaeger.

Thank you, Murray Pyle.

Thank you Rex, Ed, Mark, Sarah and Rodica.

Thank you Amy, Annette, Diane & Bill, Ellen, Jerry and Sister Mariam.

Thank you Marywood students, Net Impact, Prudential and One Point.

D. H. Lawrence said it best:

Ethics and equity and the principles of justice do not change with the calendar.

Kitch and I look forward to our reunion next year.

(Digital photographs by Kitch and Tony Mussari)

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

Thinking About America: Education in the FutureTense

Written by Tony Mussari
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Copyright 2014
Mussari-Loftus Associates
The Face of America Project
All rights reserved
faceofamericawps.com
tony.mussari@gmail.com

The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught, as that every child should be given the wish to learn. John Lubbock

Misericordia University at Noon

On an unseasonably cold February morning, I made my way to the Catherine Evans McGowan Room of the Mary Kintz Bevevino Library at Misericordia University. I was interested in the Brown Bag Luncheon Lecture Series talk “The Future of Education.”

The featured speakers for this event speakers were Russ Pottle, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Glen Tillis, interim dean of the College of Health Sciences, and Fred Croop, dean of the College of Professional Studies and Social Sciences.

At the appointed hour, Dr. Tim Kearney, Chairman of the Business department, welcomed those of us who had braved the weather to attend, and he introduced the speakers. He encouraged everyone in the room to participate, because in his words, this was a discussion not a lecture.

The Sky Is Not Falling

Dr. Russ Pottle began his remarks with a disclaimer. He wanted everyone to know that he could not predict the future of education, but he could share his desires and impressions.

He emphasized the importance of core values and the mission of educational institutions like Misericordia. He was very certain that small liberal arts colleges are not an endangered species.

They face challenges to be sure.

Yes, high tech is important.

Yes, the digital revolution has had a significant impact.

Yes, schools must adapt.

Most important for small private schools, however, is how they connect with students, how they get into the lives of students in helpful and positive ways. For me, the most memorable words spoken by the Dean Pottle were these:

Content delivery is not education. The human touch matters in education.

Where is the Future Going?

Dr. Glenn Tillis shared his perspective about educating students for careers in the field of health and medicine. He talked about the pressure to make health care more efficient.

He defined his role as an educational leader with this question:

How do we match what is happening with reality?

According to Tillis a number of technology-driven things are happening:

Large, open, online colleges like Coursera;

MOOC online courses;

The emphasis on preventitive medicine.

Tillis sees these as opportunities as well as challenges. He and his colleagues must find ways to innovate while maintaining a human connection, a physical presence with students in traditional ways that matter.

Technology is Impacting Education

Dr. Fred Croop introduced himself as an accountant who respects objectivity. He promised the audience he would share what he thinks will happen in education, not what he desires will happen.

He agreed with the previous speakers on several points:

Colleges must honor their core values;

Colleges and departments must differentiate themselves in order to recruit students;

They must ask the question why are we in the business?

What do we offer that others do not?

That being said, he was quick to point out that as soon as someone figures out how to make money with MOOC courses, the landscape will change.

Lessons Learned

All three speakers were well prepared, and very thoughtful. No one could leave the session without a better understanding of some of the major challenges facing education and educators. The digital revolution is here, and it cannot be ignored. This is a time of transition and change.

The most vexing question is “How does one maintain the human connection during this era of “digital disconnection,” increased government regulation and changing standards?

Some believe a hybrid approach will save the day. Keep what works best and adapt. Encourage a team approach. Don’t abandon the essence of the traditional liberal arts education which encourages exploration for the pragmatic purpose of application.

In response to a question, Dr Tillis suggested a solution:

“We need innovation as well as exploration and application.”

Fred Croop was very emphatic about the role of money and the consumer mindset in the future of education. For him, the underlying theme is money. He did not address the issue, is cheaper better? He did speculate what a new strategy might look like. There will be an increase in the use of MOOCs (online courses), and administrators will piece together degrees in an effort to balance professional demands with traditional academic offerings.

After the session ended, I returned to the place in the library where I had discovered a book about Louis Pasteur before the session. Joining the ranks of the undergraduates sitting at tables in the library, I read these prophetic words authored by Pasteur:

The future belongs to science more and more. She will control the destinies of nations.

What an irony, I thought to myself. These words came from a giant of his day who was described as having the gifts of the heart and head in equal measure.

These gifts are being maintained by administrators, faculty and staff at Misericordia. That makes this University a very special place for students and all who visit.

Before I left the library, I stopped to take a picture of the icon celebrating the Sisters of Mercy who founded Misericordia. On this day, the three words above the image had special meaning for me, “Depart To Serve.” Misericordia was then and is now a place of service oriented leadership.

I am looking forward to the next Brown Bag Luncheon Lecture.

Please send comments to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

Gettysburg Gifts: Preserving the Memory

Written by Tony Mussari
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Digital Photographs by Tony Mussari
Copyright 2014
The Face of America Project
Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD

Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it. L.M. Montgomery

During these harsh days of February when the weather outside is dark and dreary and the conditions inside are jinxed by the flu, all of us need something that will lift our spirits. It might be an unexpected telephone call or an e-mail from someone who has been out of contact for a while. Often it is a thoughtful, handwritten card or note from a neighbor, a friend or a former student.

While Kitch and I watched the snow pile up in front of the entrance to Windsor Park, the sound of our mailman’s truck brought anticipation and, on several days, delightful surprises.

Every day we received a note or a symbolic gift from someone who attended the premiere of Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg.

A typewritten letter from Gettysburg Mayor Bill Troxell contained several beautiful thoughts about the screening, the reception, the gratitude gifts and the friendship that developed during our many visits to his office while we were producing the documentary.

His kind words reflect the spirit of Melanie Greenberg’s words:

Gratitude can lead to feelings of love, appreciation, generosity, and compassion, which further open our hearts and help rewire our brains to fire in more positive ways.

Jim and Amy Clegg attended the screening with their children. Their thoughtful note carefully folded and placed in an envelope they stamped with a Medal of Honor commemorative stamp touched our hearts in a special way.  

Amy is a doctor of hope in our little corner of the world. She is the face and the voice of Express Employment Professionals. Her name is prominently displayed in the end credits of the documentary. Without the opportunity she created for us, we would not have had the resources to produce Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg.

Amy helps people who are struggling understand the powerful words of T.S. Eliot:

Sometimes things become possible if we want them bad enough.

Several years ago, Kitch and I met Bill Gaydos in Shanksville at the People’s Memorial to the Heroes of Flight 93. In that sacred place, while we were producing one of the documentaries in our What Is America? series, we became fast friends.

Bill is a retired educator, a photographer and a poet. His is one of the finest men of faith Kitch and I know. He is loyal, encouraging, helpful, and reliable. He understands how difficult it is to produce documentary in a generic way.  He has been with us on many documentary shoots in Shanksville, and he has attended every one of our screenings since the day we met.

This week Bill blessed our home with a portfolio of collectable Medal of Honor stamps and a framed copy of his beautiful poem about the documentary.
When Kitch and I think about Bill Gaydos the words of an ancient quotation about friendship come to mind:

A friend is someone to whom one may pour out all of the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keeping what is worth keeping and with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.

Bill’s poem occupies a prominent place in our home in the room where another priceless treasure evokes wonderful memories of January 18, 2014.
When we entered our room at the Wyndham Hotel in Gettysburg a colorful bag had been placed on the desk. It contained a framed copy of the title card of the documentary.

Our dear friends Ellen and Jerry Mondlak who own and operate Mondlak Printery had this treasure placed in the room to ease the anxiety we were experiencing before the premiere. The note that accompanied this gift lifted our spirits, eased the tension and made us feel good all over.

As a companion to Bill’s gift, it evokes memories that are best described by Willa Cather:

Some memories are realities and are better than anything that can ever happen to one again.

One of the most symbolic surprises came from the heart of Joanne Chabalko. We met Joanne during the production of Windsor Park Stories. She is the person who introduced us to 2d Lt. Emily Perez.

To honor her friend Steve Woods, a former Green Beret, she gave us the only one she had.  Her kind words touched our hearts:

I wanted to share this labor of love with you. I was in graduate school at Wilkes and they were selling these cards to donate the proceeds to survivors. I purchased several, and this is my last one. It seemed too sacred to write in. I know you will find a place for it.

We are now three weeks away from that wonderful evening in Gettysburg, but the memories of that night are alive and living in the hearts of people who attended the event.
Like the heroes we celebrated in the documentary, the people who shared their gifts with us taught us some very important lessons:

We are our memories;

Our memories can save us;

Everybody needs memories;

We live best when we think of others;

Gratitude is the spark that lights the candle of joy.

Thank you Mayor Troxell, Jim and Amy Clegg, Bill Gaydos, Ellen and Jerry Mondlak and Joanne Chabalko. 

You filled our home and our hearts with February sunshine. You eased our anxieties and freed our spirit. You have given us memories that will brighten every day and give us the strength to keep moving forward. You are examples of America at its best, and Kitch and I are in your debt.

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

The Greatest Gift: Kitch

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Photography by Tony Mussari, Sr., & Clark Van Orden

You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. A.A. Milne

In the past two days, four articles and two reviews about Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg were posted in this blog. A short video about 2d Lt Emily Perez was posted on the video page. This article will focus on the person who gave the most before, during and after the location shoot to guarantee the success of this project.

If you lived in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the late 60’s and 70’s, you listened to the most popular radio station, WARM. Affectionately known as the Mighty 590 it was the place for news and entertainment. Kitch Loftus was a member of that award winning news department.

During the Agnes Flood disaster of 1972, she was everywhere reporting on every phase of the disaster. People who knew her respected her work. They admired her tenacity, and they applauded her pioneering journey as one of the first female broadcast journalists in the state.

I knew her then as a colleague. Today we work together as partners committed to shining the light on people, places and events that constitute the mosaic of the Face of America on its best day.

In 2010, our journey took us to every one of the 48 continental states. In 2011, with the help of Dr. Dan Kopen, Kitch successfully battled breast cancer. In 2012, she was back on her feet snapping pictures and doing all the things behind the scenes that made this project and the documentaries we produce work.

Her assessments, encouragement and insights are invaluable. She is a consummate professional. She can read people and situations better than any person I know.

This is my humble attempt to say thank you to the person who brought everything together during this production.

Thank you Kitch for the 3,500 pictures you snapped during the Medal of Honor Convention.

Thank you for the connections you made that opened doors.

Thank you for your willingness to do everything from ironing flags for the set to preparing meals for visitors and guests.

Thank you for accepting all of the inconveniences of location shooting, never complaining and always giving your best effort.

Thank you for all the materials you edited and all the time you spent in the editing room reviewing footage, providing insights and suggesting changes.

Thank you for your patient and thoughtful understanding and your wise counsel when we encountered bumps in the road both human and physical.

Thank you for agreeing to bypass a big 30th wedding anniversary so we could allocate time and resources to the project.

Thank you for your help with the gratitude gifts for the screening.

Thank you for being there no matter what the situation or the request.

Thank you for your perseverance despite the horrible pain you experienced in your knee.

Thank you for the outstanding example you provided for the JROTC cadets. You kept moving forward. You never gave up. You solved problems in a quiet and effective way.

Thank you for believing in the dream and loving the dreamer with actions not words.

When I think of all you have done to guarantee the success of Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg, the words of another pioneer in journalism come to mind:

Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.Ann Landers

When I think about our journey, the words of a poet come to mind:

Love is the voice under all silences, the hope which has no opposite in fear; the strength so strong mere force is feebleness: the truth more first than sun, more last than star… E.E. Cummings

You reflect the values of the heroes we met in Gettysburg. You always conduct yourself with dignity and class and you always do the right thing.

I am blessed to call you my hero, my best friend, my partner and my wife.

We did it, and that’s the greatest reward of all.

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

A Gratitude Moment in Gettysburg, Pt 2

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Kitch Loftus-Mussari, Katie Hennessey & Bill Gaydos

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. Thornton Wilder

As most of the people who read our blog know, the work we have done in Gettysburg is central to our Face of America project. During this time of digital disconnection, economic dislocation and unsettling news about school shootings and crimes of passion that make all of us wonder about our future, we have decided to continue our search for examples of America at its best. We need them more today than when we started our journey in 2010.

That’s why we produced Walking Into the Light at Gettysburg and its sequel Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg. Gettysburg is where America’s past and future meet. So much of the Gettysburg story is symbolic of America at its best. Having an opportunity to tell the story of the Medal of Honor in its Gettysburg setting was something Kitch and I wanted to do, and we were willing to make the sacrifices that were necessary to do it.

Although it is almost two weeks since the premiere of our documentary Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg, we continue to receive handwritten notes and e-mail messages about the documentary and the event.

These are a few of the priceless comments we received this week.

The atmosphere in the theater was of deep reverence and respect. I was in awe of what the two young gentlemen in the audience had to say about the film- that it gave them hope and should be shown in classrooms. They summed it up so eloquently and from their hearts.

I love what the ROTC student said about the medal recipients never speaking about themselves only others.
I am still uplifted by the whole experience.

The content of the film delivers a very powerful message for those that should choose to receive it, and that in and of itself is the biggest challenge I believe we face as parents in this world today. Getting the right messages through and deflecting the wrong is a challenging task.

The aspect of the documentary that I loved most was defining "character." I know that it is often overlooked in our society these days, but I can assure that I speak of it everyday to my first grade students. I define it a bit differently, but I tell them, "Character is how you act when you THINK no one is watching you."

It can often be upsetting when it seems like most of the people these days want to take instead of give. The film restored faith in humanity and reached out to the next generation of students showing them a path that is difficult to travel but a destination that is attainable, thanks to caring, encouraging, and faithful people like you and your wife.

I cannot thank you enough for all the memories you have helped make during our time spent with you and Kitch at Gettysburg. The entire experience has truly been life changing and I am grateful for the fact that I got the chance to go. Again, thank you so much for allowing us six cadets to partake in this life changing experience. We hope to see you again.

For the first time in my life, I can say I became oddly absorbed and as I viewed this screening I felt an almost out of body experience. I say this more because my attention became focused not so much on the subject matter, but I sat and became so absorbed in this true labor of perfected love, for a project that you both invested so, so many tireless hours getting every minor detail perfected. I was mesmerized by every bit of attention to detail throughout the entire documentary.

Thank YOU for everything you did. It was a wonderful event and its impact it had on everyone will surely not be forgotten.
Thank you for your kind note and beautiful picture! I have it displayed at home as a reminder to be thankful!!

I am very happy that I was able to make it to the showing of your documentary and I look forward to seeing more of your work.

What a beautiful way to focus some well deserved attention on the recipients of the Medal of Honor. The film encompassed a valuable learning experience for those young ROTC Cadets. Keep up the good fight for our country, our veterans and the young students in North Plainfield.

God bless you both.

Thank you so much for the premiere. The special thanks and everything you do. It was really cool to see your passion on the big screen. I hope it does well and lots of people get to enjoy it as we did. Thank you and Kitch for the gift that you did not have to get me. Seeing how passionate the two of you are is gift enough.

Take care my friend and God Bless

These notes lift our spirits and give us hope. They remind us of a beautiful moment of sharing made possible by the CEO & President of the 2013 Medal of Honor Convention Robert J. Monahan, Jr. This article and the ones that precede it are offered as an expression of gratitude to Bob for his belief in our work and his determination to help us tell this story.

What Kitch and I are feeling was best expressed by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.

To everyone who stayed in touch with us when we needed encouragement, to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts about the documentary, and to everyone who helped us do this work, we say thank you. You kind words and deeds give us the energy and the purpose to keep on keeping on, and we are in your debt.

Please provide feedback to:

tony.mussari@gmail.com

Gettysburg Gifts: Courtney Schaeffer

Written by Tony Mussari
Photographs by Kitch Loftus-Mussari , Tony Mussari &
Bill Gaydos

One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others. Lewis Carol

I met Courtney Schaeffer three hours before the screening of Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg. To be very honest it was a very stressful time. Kitch and I were anxious about just about everything from the safety of people driving to the screening to the way people would react to the documentary.

One of our biggest concerns was timing. We had a limited window in the theater, and many things to accomplish during that time.

Obviously we were concerned about the atmosphere, the look and the feel of the event. We had great cooperation from a number of people including theater manager Dan Spence.

But as always is the case there was one loose end.

All of our screenings are gratitude events. Yes, the documentary is important, but for us, saying thank you to the people who helped us produce it is equally important. We are gratitude people, and we make no apology for that.

Kitch and I spent a considerable amount of time during the two weeks prior to the screening talking about our gratitude gifts. Once we decided what we thought was appropriate, it took several days and the cooperation of many people to create these gifts.

On the day of the screening we had another problem. How could we get 25 gifts from the hotel into the theater before our guests arrived? We were invited to a private meeting at 4 p.m. to discuss the program. The premiere would begin at precisely 5 p.m., and our guests were scheduled to arrive between 4:30 p.m. and 4:45p.m.

I decided to visit the theater sometime after 2 p.m. to ask for help. That’s when I met Courtney Schaeffer.

Courtney is young enough to be my granddaughter, but mature in all the ways that matter. She began working at The Gateway Theater six years ago. Today she is an assistant manager.

She is respectful and welcoming. When you talk with her she is focused on the conversation. She is not distracted. She is a good listener, and an excellent problem-solver.

When you are with Courtney, the human connection is genuine. No stroking, no manipulation, there is a fundamental goodness about this young woman, and you get the impression she wants to help you.

She has mastered the art of customer service. Her first question consisted of five magical words:

How can I help you?

Her actions affirmed and spoke louder than her words:

“I think there is a place where we can put the gifts, and I will help you get them into Auditorium 2, before your guests arrive.”

She calmed my fears, and she worked with me to find a solution. She understands that little things and attention to details are important.

Together we checked out two locked rooms, and Courtney volunteered to clear off a desk in the room we selected to guarantee the safety of the framed pictures.

Because of Courtney’s willingness to inconvenience herself and her willingness to give a guest much more than he had a reason to expect, everything went smoothly.

For more than 40 years I have been studying, practicing and teaching the principles of customer service. Courtney Schaeffer is not yet 20 years old, and she has mastered the art of customer service.

She exemplifies Jeff Bezos’ philosophy:

We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It’s our job to make the customer experience a little bit better.

In my opinion, Courtney Schaeffer is a shining example of what America is all about on its best day. She did her job. She did it well. She did it with dignity and class in a way that helped to make the evening a success. In her work and the way she treats people, she models the values represented by the Medal of Honor

She lives the words of Albert Einstein:

Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living.

She is a Gettysburg gift.

Thank you Courtney, Kitch I will never forget your kindness and your help.

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg: A Gratitude Moment

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by
Katie Hennessey and Bill Gaydos

What began fifteen months ago with an act of kindness came full circle in the Gateway Theater in Gettysburg on a cold January evening. In what was designed as a gratitude celebration, Kitch and I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to premiere Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg.

Robert J. Monahan, Jr., the chairman of the 2013 Medal of Honor Convention, and the person who made the production, the screening and the reception possible, served as Master of Ceremonies.

His comments celebrated all of the events associated with the Medal of Honor Convention. They reflected the light of his goodness, his kindness, his friendship and his heart of gold.

Medal of Honor recipient Brian Thacker offered warm and welcoming comments about the Medal of Honor, the values it represents and the heroes who earned it. He is the living legacy of everything the Medal of Honor symbolizes. When you are in his presence, you can feel the warmth of his caring heart.

After the opening remarks, the lights in the theater dimmed, the huge room went silent as guests from eight states and the District of Columbia were enveloped by the sights and sounds projected on the 56 foot screen that demanded the attention of everyone in the audience.

For Kitch and me, it was a beautiful moment of community and sharing. It was also a moment of anxiety and relief. The documentary had been the focus of our life for more than a year. Now, others would see it and determined if it touched their hearts and souls in the way it was intended.

These are a few excerpts from the notes we received after the event.

Last night hit me with a lot of emotion.  Like everyone of those Medal of Honor recipients talked about – just do the right thing.  If you do the right thing, everything else will fall in place.  Thankfully and hopefully I will never experience war and death like all of those men did.  But the issues I have been facing over the past few years have been my own personal war. 

Your show last night had bigger meaning and importance than me.  But I felt like the only guy in that theater last night because it was something that I needed to hear. 

No matter how old we get – we all need these reminders that 4 days of honor and valor portray.  We all need to stay focused on just Loving – and doing the right thing. 

How can one say a proper "Thank You" to people who have touched so many lives in such a positive and heartwarming way? Your exceptional love of and dedication to your family, your friends, your students, your newest "student family" additions, and especially your country cannot be denied. We in North Plainfield are blessed to have had the privilege of making your acquaintance and having received your friendship, your shared commitment to excellence, and your interest in and artistic inclusion of our students in your "Face of America" series.

Great nite last nite, Doc! Thank you so much for the framed photo! A picture is worth a thousand words and a lifetime of memories!

Your documentary was a masterpiece. The ROTC students experiencing the Medal of Honor Convention was extremely moving and touching. It was very enlightening and educational. I learned so much this weekend.

The theatre was a full house! Congratulations. You must be walking on air today.

The reception was so warm and welcoming. My son and his friend were impressed to meet Brian Thacker. They asked very good questions and Mr. Thacker showed so much interest in talking to them.

Thank you and Kitch for allowing me to be part of your documentary and your life. I am told over and over by those who saw your piece how amazing it was and how important it is to share it with students. I hope that whatever the future holds, it includes this piece being part of the growth of our youth in America.

Thank you also for the gift you gave me. It is beautiful and a wonderful way to be reminded of the special opportunity you provided to me and to all of us who were involved.

Truly awesome!

With a theater full – you could hear a pin drop.
Also with a theater full I’m sure that only you and Kitch
were the only ones who had a true idea of all the
hours & work put into the production.

It was a wonderful work of art that was truly enjoyed by all.

IT REALLY SHOULD BE SHOWN TO THE SCHOOLS as the majority of the youth are not exposed to the humility, sincerity and dedication that you presented.

Wow! What an impact your film had on me and obviously the entire audience.
One word that would describe it is LOVE. As you said in the intro it is a love story.

It’s been a long, challenging, demanding and emotionally exhausting journey from October 2012 to January 2014. On January 18, the film spoke for itself. In the end, what matters most for Kitch and me is the substance of the story and the impact it has on the people who see it. It’s not about celebrity, fame, fortune or notoriety. It’s about making people think. It’s about giving people hope. It’s about providing models and leadership that will enable people to embrace and practice the advice of Abraham Lincoln:

It often requires more courage to dare to do right than to fear to do wrong.

In everything we do and say, we try to honor our responsibilities as teachers. The guiding light of our teaching philosophy was best described by Janette Rankin:

You can take people as far as they want to go, not as far as you want them to go.

That quotation was prominently displayed in our classroom, and it is permanently engraved on our hearts.

Recently someone asked me to describe the theme that permeates Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg. My response was short and to the point. It’s a love story about our country and the values that speak to America and Americans at their very best.

To everyone who took the time and made the effort to help us when we were struggling, we say thank you.

A special note of thanks to the people who helped us with the organization, planning and staging of the premiere:

General Thomas Wilkerson, President & CEO Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation;

Stacey Fox, Vice President of Marketing Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau;

Kristin Holland, Senior Director the Webster Group;

Carl Whitehill, Media Relations Director Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau;

Ted Chamberlain, Confederation of Union Generals;

Hans Schreiber, Director of Sales and Marketing, Wyndham Gettysburg,

Lindsey Wherley, Convention Services Manager Wyndham Gettysburg,

Lyn Miller: Administrative Assistant to Robert Monahan,

Dan Spence and Courtney Schaeffer, The Gateway Theater:

Our friends at Marquis Art and Frame Shop;

Ellen & Jerry Mondlak, Mondlak Printery.

Michael Sackett, Let’s Rock Carved Stone

To Robert J. Monahan, Jr., the words of Kevin Arnold apply:

Over the course of the average lifetime you meet a lot of people. Some of them stick with you through thick and thin. Some weave their way through your life and disappear forever. But once in a while someone comes along who earns a permanent place in your heart.

Thank you for making the dream become a reality.

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg: Lessons Learned on the Journey

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Katie Hennessey and Bill Gaydos

During our 15 month journey from the dream to the reality of Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg, Kitch and I had several experiences that reinforced lessons we were taught at the kitchen table by our parents.

These are a few of those lessons.

When I was a youngster, my mother used aphorisms to reinforce the values she wanted us to learn and practice. One of the most powerful aphorisms had five words:

Actions speak louder than words.

Thinking about the moments we spent with Medal of Honor recipients Barney Barnum, Sal Guinta, Charles Hagemeister, Clarence Sasser and Brian Thacker, the words of my mother’s favorite maxim were reinforced. These men are defined by their actions, not their words.

During the most dangerous moments of their lives, they faced their fears and they followed their instincts to help their comrades and vanquish their opponents. They acted without regard for self. They acted in ways they knew would put themselves in danger. They accepted the danger and the inconvenience of the moment, because they had a higher purpose than convenience. They were on a mission to help others. They were motivated by service not reward.

Hard work never hurt anyone.

Over and over again, we heard those words from our parents, and we witnessed their willingness to work hard so we would always have food on the table and coal in the stove for heat.

My brother, sister and I were expected to work for the things we wanted. The same was the case in Kitch’s home. It wasn’t called sweat equity. We were taught that we had a responsibility to pull our fair share of the load.

The Medal of Honor recipients personify the same work ethic. They worked hard during combat. They are working hard to this day to preserve the legacy of their “boys” as one of them told us, and to help others learn and apply the values associated with the Medal of Honor.

You make your bed and you lay in it.

This aphorism taught us all we needed to know about making choices and being responsible for the choices we make. We were not permitted to blame others for our troubles. Excuses for bad behavior were not accepted. I can vividly recall my parents telling me if you get in trouble in school, you will be in big trouble at home.

One of the most compelling moments at the Medal of Honor Convention happened during an interview with Medal of Honor recipient Clarence Sasser when he challenged everyone in our group to make good choices that only we are responsible for. As he was saying those words, Kitch and I were hearing our parents encouraging us to do the very same thing. The only difference was the nine words they used.

Tell me who your company is and I will tell you who you are.

When we were growing up, popularity was the measure of success. Our parents worried about the people we chose as our friends. They wanted us to associate with people who would bring us up, people who were interested in learning, people who wanted to make something of their lives, and people who did not take shortcuts.

When Medal of Honor recipient Charles Hagemeister talked with the students from North Plainfield he urged them to do the same thing. Your generation needs heroes, people who do the right thing for the right reason. Then he explained the importance of humility in leading a quality life:

As we wear this medal, and we’re honored to do that, while this is engraved on the back that this is mine, there were a lot of people who did actions that were equal to and were greater than mine that don’t get to wear this…and all of us wear this for those people.

Charles Hagemeister was 21 years old when with “total disregard for his safety he raced through the deadly hail of enemy fire to provide medical aid and he continued to brave the withering enemy fire and crawled forward to render lifesaving treatment and to offer words of encouragement to wounded comrades.”

All of us would be fortunate to have a friend like Charles Hagemeister.

A quitter never wins and a winner never quits.

Many times during this journey, we encountered bumps in the road we never expected. They tested our determination, our resilience and our ability to concentrate. There is no need to mention the specifics here, the lesson, however should be obvious. We refused to give up.

Whenever we needed encouragement and strength, we turned to the words of the people we met during our journey. We drew strength from the inspirational example of the Medal of Honor recipients and their stories.

Sal Guinta’s words helped us to stay focused:

It doesn’t matter how many times you get knocked down as long as you get up one more time…that means you are standing on your feet and moving forward.

It’s never over until you quit trying.

These are powerful words of encouragement all of us need to survive the unexpected challenges of life.

Be thankful for what you have.

These six words were an essential part of Kitch’s childhood and mine as well. We did not have many luxuries in our homes, but we were always encouraged to be thankful for what we had.

For us gratitude is the spark that lights the candle of happiness. The four days we spent with the Medal of Honor recipients reinforced the power of gratitude. Every one of these heroes are grateful for the blessings of liberty, the opportunities afforded by birth in America, and their responsibility to maintain the legacy of the values represented in the
medal they wear.

These values are universal in nature, and they can and must be applied in every aspect of our daily life.

In a very real way, our journey to produce this documentary took us back to our roots, and that has been the most powerful lesson we learned. Our parents were genuine heroes. They taught us by example what America is on its best day because like the Medal of Honor recipients they are a part of the mosaic of the Face of America on its best day, and we are in their debt.

Please provide feedback to:

tony.mussari@gmail.com

Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg

Documentary Review
Mike Lewis

Wow.

What an amazing effort by Tony and Kitch Mussari.

I wasn’t prepared for the emotional impact of this documentary.

High School ROTC cadets meet and spend time with a few of the men who received the nation’s highest military honor. It all happens during the 2013 Medal of Honor Convention in one of the most significant cities in American history. Gettysburg!

An amazing backdrop that takes viewers on a wonderfully hopeful, educational and insightful journey that leaves you wanting more!

Wait until you see how Medal of Honor recipients relay what they’ve learned to the young cadets and how it impacts these potential future leaders.

I was struck by the character traits shared by the Medal of Honor recipients in this program and how each trait could or should be applied to my daily civilian life!
I think after you see it, you’ll share my view on this documentary.

You will walk away with new hope for a nation and a renewed hope for your own life!
I sure did.

The on screen look of this documentary is perfect.

The editing is wonderfully paced and includes hundreds of graphics that re-enforce what’s being said on screen. 

Clearly, the writer, photographer and producers of this documentary have invested thousands of hours of work in this project.

Yet, there’s nothing slick here. 

Just thoughtful, insightful work, with a potential life-changing message for young and old alike.

The best yet, from Tony and Kitch Mussari.

Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg: Mission Accomplished

A Review by Brad Patton

Dr. Tony Mussari, Sr. and Kitch Loftus-Mussari are remarkable storytellers, and they may have saved some of their best stories for their final chapters.

The husband-and-wife documentary filmmakers from Dallas, Pa. consider themselves “teachers with a camera.” Their projects include the regional-television series “Windsor Park Stories,” which ran for 12 years, an 11-part film series on West Point, a series of films focused on Shanksville, Pa. (the site of the 9/11 crash of Flight 93), and a series on the 25th anniversary of the “Miracle On Ice” from the 1980 Lake Placid Olympic games.

Their latest series, which has taken them to all 48 contiguous states, began in 2010 and seeks to find “the Face of America on its best day,” according to Dr. Mussari. The newest film in this series, “Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg,” premiered in Gettysburg .

I was invited to a special screening of the film just days after the rough cut was assembled.

Anyone who knows Dr. Mussari knows he likes to ask people to sum up an experience in just a few words, so in that spirit here are my first impressions of the new film: a stunning achievement in storytelling, a well-paced film that is equal parts educational and entertaining.

The new film came about following a chance meeting with a photographer, which led to an introduction to Robert Monahan, Jr., President & CEO of the Medal of Honor Convention in Gettysburg to mark the 150th anniversary of the decisive Civil War battle. Monahan gave the Mussaris carte blanche at the convention, and they used it to film the latest installment of their “Face of America” series.

“Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg” uses five thematic arcs to tell its story: 1) the convention as a whole; 2) the significance of the Battle of Gettysburg; 3) the values of the Medal of Honor recipients; 4) the transformation of six students from No. Plainfield (New Jersey) High School learning about those values; and 5) to find the Face of America on its best day (the series’ underlying theme).

The film is successful because it doesn’t try to do too much. It sets up both the Medal of Honor and Civil War pieces by introducing Bvt. Maj. Gen. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. In the opening scenes, his story is re-enacted by his great-great nephew, then his exploits at Gettysburg with the 20th Maine regiment are recounted. Instead of trying to squeeze everything about the three-day battle into the film, the Mussaris use Chamberlain’s story to effectively encapsulate it all in an easily-digestible portion.

The scenes of the students interacting with the Medal of Honor recipients are illuminating. You are so engrossed in the conversations, you hardly realize you are learning something about honor and valor right there along with the students.

To a man, the Medal of Honor recipients do not think they did anything extraordinary. They just did what needed to be done. Yet, they have so much to teach the students — and the viewers by extension – and those lessons are sorely needed at this time.

Perhaps the film’s most accomplished feat is putting a conversation about values on the table in a non-threatening way and opening it up for discussion.

The climactic scenes at the concert with the United States Marine Corps Band (known as “The President’s Own”) and the West Point Cadet Glee Club are awe-inspiring, making you feel like you have a front-row seat for this spectacular show.

It is a treat to see the convention and the Medal of Honor recipients through the eyes of the six ROTC cadets from No. Plainfield. To witness them going from shy students in the opening scenes, not really knowing what to expect from this slice of experiential learning, to the thoughtful, determined and eloquently-spoken young adults in the final scenes is truly amazing.

Dr. Mussari mentioned one of the goals of the “Face of America” series is to shine a light on the good things happening in our country to try to counter the barrage of negativity with which we seem to be inundated on a daily basis.

With “Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg,” consider it a mission accomplished.

A Christmas House

Written by Tony Mussari
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Digital Photographs by Tony Mussari
Copyright 2013
The Face of America Project
Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD

The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present – and I don’t want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future. Audrey Hepburn

Last week, Kitch and I walked into our past to connect with our future, and we made some remarkable discoveries. It happened during a Christmas visit with a dear friend. For us, it’s a tradition, a celebration, a reunion. We return to our old neighborhood to visit with a woman who has been a friend for more than forty years.

She lives in a home that reflects the spirit of Christmas every day of the year. She personifies the Christmas message in everything she does. For us, she defines many of the qualities we associate with America at its best.

She is not powerful or prominent. She has lived her married life in this house, raising her children, loving her God and being a wonderful neighbor.

When we are with her we feel the warm and welcoming spirit of belonging. The mementos in her home speak to family, faith, discipline, service, honor, humility, respect, industry and kindness.

During this visit, I was drawn to several messages that appear on artifacts that are displayed in the living room, dining room and kitchen. They speak to the family she raised, the service her husband gave to his country, the faith they chose, the values they taught their four children, and the things they hold dear.

Please accept these words of wisdom and this blueprint for happiness and contentment as a Christmas gift.

Prominently displayed in the kitchen are the house rules:

If you turn it on, turn it off.
If you open it, close it.
If you move it, put it back.
If you borrow it, return it.
If you break it, repair it.
If you make a mess, clean it up.
If it’s none of your concern, keep it that way.

In almost every room there is a tribute to “Mom.” Kitch and I were taken by the words in this poetic tribute:

I am grateful to God for the blessings He sent.
For peace and good friends.
For Success and content.
I’m grateful for health.
And for skies bright and blue.
But most grateful of all for a mother like you.

This Irish toast is prominently displayed in the dining room:

May you be in heaven a half hour before the Devil knows you’re dead.

A colorful plaque defines the qualities of a loving father:

A father is a very big man who remembers what it was like to be very little.

Love and service to country are celebrated in several places. The trivet on the refrigerator surrounded by pictures of the grandchildren is very colorful and cannot be ignored:

God bless America.

The man of this house was a World War II veteran. His service to America is recorded in a special way. There are no words, just a flag that once draped a cofffin and pictures of a teenager who went to war to defend freedom. They speak volumes about honor, valor and patriotism.

In my opinion, two of the smallest trivets were the most compelling and powerful. They spoke to the faith that fills this home with kindness and hospitality:

Christ is the head of this house.
The unseen host at every meal.
The silent Listener to every conversation.

May this be a home where peace abides, hospitality prevails and love grows now and forever.

After our three hour Christmas visit with our friend Gert, we felt renewed.

For us, Christmas is about light. The Child who was born in Bethlehem all those years ago came to bring light to our world, the light of peace, understanding, forgiveness, kindness, love and redemption.

In this house, the light of Christmas shines brightly every day of the year, because here Christmas is a state of mind, heart and soul. It is love in action, and it is a year-long, not a seasonal event.

In this house, the words of Charles Dickens have real meaning;

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.

Thank you, Gert for the magic moments and memories we shared with you in this house. You are a genuine and radiant Face of America on its best day, and we are honored to know you.

Merry Christmas, dear friend.

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

A Medal of Honor Experience

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Copyright Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD, 2013
All Rights Reserved

Any time you’re shooting documentary stuff, you’ve got to be in the
moment you’ve got to be able to be in control enough to
capture what’s happening. Brian de Palma

Someone once said that making a documentary film is like going war. No matter how much you prepare, something unexpected always happens. Sometimes it’s weather-related, often it’s just circumstance and frequently it’s just plain old human nature at work.

Location shooting is a pressure cooker filled with explosive ingredients like anxiety, fear, uncertainty and stress. Around every corner there’s a surprise that complicates a potential scene or creates an opportunity. To make the most of these events one must be flexible and adjust.

For six days in September, Kitch and I were on location at the Medal of Honor Convention in Gettysburg, PA. For almost three days, we worked with Junior ROTC Cadets from the North Plainfield High School in New Jersey. It was an incredible opportunity, the fulfillment of a lifetime dream and a challenge unlike anything we have every undertaken.

Were there surprises?  Yes.

Were there unexpected complications? Yes.

Were there a few missteps? Yes.

But overall it was a grand experience. We were able to rub shoulders with some of the most impressive people we have ever met.  We were able to learn what heroism is all about, and we accomplished what we set out to do. Thanks to the contributions of many people we successfully recorded the story of the 150th anniversary of the Medal of Honor in Gettysburg, a place that speaks to honor and valor every day of the year.

Who were these Gettysburg gifts?

Kitch.  She worked though incredible arthritis pain and discomfort, without complaint, to do the things that needed to be done with competence and professionalism.  Because of her dedication and determination, we have a library of 3,420 digital images.

My adopted son Patrick took vacation time to come to Gettysburg and help us record video of the convention events.  Working with less than three hours sleep, he did not miss a beat or a scene during the longest day of the production, 16 hours, on September 19, 2013.

Nancy, Kyle and Ruel provided an unforgettable moment when they walked to the microphone to ask thoughtful questions during the Town Hall Meeting at Gettysburg College.

Jared provided the most compelling and enthusiastic answer to the question, “What did you learn during the convention?”

Adriana wrote the most beautiful gratitude note after she returned home.

Elijah’s every action during the convention spoke to gratitude, learning and teamwork.

Kristin, Lea and their colleagues at the Webster Group did everything in their power to help us get access to the events and the recipients.

Tom Mazur’s quiet demeanor demonstrated a fundamental quality of leadership, “Leading by being led.”

Eric Hansen, the cadet commander, kept a watchful eye on his students while maintaining great interest in the convention events.

Joe the bus driver saved the day when I misplaced the disk for Kitch’s digital camera.

Dana, Ashley, Mary, Angie and Lois made our home away from home, the Hampton Inn, a friendly place for everyone in our group.

Stacey Fox set the tone for our adventure with well-chosen and inspiring words of context and welcome. Her comments about thinking, listening, reflecting and leadership will find a place in our documentary.

Mr. & Mrs. Ted Chamberlain brought Fanny and Joshua Chamberlain back to life with authenticity, feeling and historical accuracy. They did it with enthusiasm and a sense of gratitude for the legacy of their heroic ancestor and a willingness to give to the project without expectation of any reward.

Bruce Rice is a man of dedication to the Gettysburg story. Bruce prepared a special presentation about monuments that reflect the values of the Medal of Honor and the 63 soldiers who earned it at Gettysburg. The inconvenience of a late summer cold did not prevent him from conducting a compelling and informative two hour battlefield tour.

Mayor Bill Troxell gave life to the often spoken line at the convention that there are heroes everywhere, and the vast majority of them did not receive a golden pentagram with a blue ribbon. Nevertheless, he reflected the light of the values of the Medal of Honor. Mayor Troxell’s presentation at City Hall added an important dimension to the students’ open air classroom in Gettysburg.

Bob Monahan opened the door to the convention, and he kept it open so we could capture the priceless moments of discovery and transformation.

The recipients every action, word and symbolic gesture spoke in powerful and effective ways about the values associated with the Medal of Honor.

When I think about the Face of America on its best day, the faces of the men we met in Gettysburg add depth and substance to the image that will always have a very special place in my heart.

The Medal of Honor Convention in Gettysburg was a classroom like no other in a place like no other with a legacy like no other. To paraphrase the words of Abraham Lincoln, it taught us that we can do better. It showed us that we can and must rise with the occasion no matter what the circumstance, complication or inconvenience.

For that humbling and lifesaving message, Kitch and I are eternally grateful.

Please provide feedback to:

tony.mussari@gmail.com

The Medal of Honor: The Greatest Gift
Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Copyright Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD, 2013
All Rights Reserved

The greatest gift that you can give to anybody is the gift of your honest self. It’s the only unique gift anyone can give.Fred Rogers

Gettysburg College opened its doors to students in 1832. During its long history it has been known for its emphasis on the liberal arts and innovative teaching. For more than180 years that tradition has been maintained.  The college is ranked nationally as a center of excellence.

It comes as no surprise that Susan Eisenhower challenged the members of the freshman class to help make our country a better place.  During the 2013 graduation exercise, the president of the senior class told everyone in attendance that Gettysburg College is a place where people matter. Graduation speaker David Gergen encouraged the graduates to answer the call to service and President Dr. Janet Morgan Riggs made it clear that the goal of the college is to prepare students for lives of impact.

The historic significance of the school, its lofty goals and the commitment to service made it an ideal place to host the 2013 Congressional Medal of Honor Town Hall Forum.

Standing with the cadets from North Plainfield in front of the College Union Building, I could feel their anticipation and excitement. People of all ages were lining up to enter the College Union Building on West Lincoln Avenue. The mood was festive. We were greeted by pleasant people who acknowledged the privileges that came with the media badges we were wearing. Our group of 11 people was given easy access to the venue. When we entered, guests were helping themselves to coffee, fruit and pastries while they waited for the event to begin.

In the back of the room, videographers and photographers were setting up their cameras and tripods, and testing their connections to the sound system to guarantee the best possible recording of the event.

Then it happened. Chris Wallace of Fox News and three recipients, Barney Barnum, Salvatore Guinta and Clinton Romesha, entered the College Union Ballroom. They were greeted with the familiar sounds of cameras clicking and reverent “oohs” and “ahs” from the audience.

The Presentation of the Colors by the Blue Mountain ROTC, an inspiring a cappella rendition of the national anthem, a warm welcome by Dr. Janet Riggs, the 14th president of Gettysburg College, and a touching tribute to Stephen Doane a Medal of Honor recipient who attended Gettysburg College before he joined the army in 1967 set the tone for the Town Hall Forum.

Polite applause filled the room, when Wallace, Barnum, Giunta and Romesha settled into the comfortable, blue easy chairs on the stage. Wallace guided the discussion which focused primarily on the heroism displayed by the Medal of Honor recipients.

Barnum has been wearing the medal for 48 years. Giunta received his medal in 2010. Romesha described himself as the new kid on the street having received the medal only seven months ago.

After they briefly described the actions they took to save their brothers, they downplayed the accolades they received, and they emphasized they did the job they were trained to do.

Two of Wallace’s questions produced a poignant moment. When he asked Sal Giunta why he did what he did and and what was going through his mind when he did it, Giunta paused for what seemed like an eternity, then he surprised everyone in the room with these words:

I did what I did because everyone else was doing the same thing. There’s no room or time to think about you, because you don’t matter. We matter, and it has nothing to do with you as an individual. I never once led. I always stood side by side to my brothers. My first thought was to my boys…

Barnum explained it this way:

I hope that I was an example…that I led. The only thing I feared was making the wrong decision. It was all about the marine on your right and your left. That’s what drives you in battle.

In Romesha’s case it was 52 American soldiers against 300 Taliban fighters at Outpost Keating on October 3, 2009. The Americans were a team determined to do their job and unwilling to leave any of their comrades behind.

After the formal part of the forum ended, the audience had an opportunity to ask question. About 15 people approached the microphones and waited for the opportunity of a lifetime. The questions asked were diverse and thought-provoking. They covered a range of issues including hope, fear, technology, the definition of courage, to what life lesson do you want to share with young people?

I was taken by Barney Barnum’s observations about his most inspirational moment and the change he would make in schools across the country.

We’ve got to get back to teaching history…what people who’ve gone before us…what they have done and learn from what they have done and be thankful for what they have done. It boils down to priorities…I, I, I, Me, Me, Me and maybe they ought to look at their country as a whole rather than about themselves.

What was Barnum’s most inspirational moment? Graduation day at Paris Island knowing that as a battalion commander he transformed “unorganized, fat, unmotivated, undisciplined civilians into low-crawling, hard-charging U.S. Marines…to see them on graduation day and to see the expressions on their parents’ face…absolutely phenomenal.

When a child asked Clinton Romasha how he stayed so brave. He replied: “You rely on your training…Its scary, but that’s what courage is being scared stiff.”

Sal Giunta put everything in perspective when he responded to Cadet Kyle Pacla’s question:

What is one life lesson you would like to pass on to the younger generation? His answer”

“It’s never over until you quit trying…sometimes an opportunity is designed as hard work. Don’t be afraid of hard work…every day is a gift. It’s not a right. Take advantage of it.

On September 20, 2013, three Medal of Honor Recipients gave almost 300 people who attended the Town Hall Forum the gift of their honest selves. In doing that, they did something Carl Jung said most people refuse to do.  They made us face our own souls.

It doesn’t get any better than that.

Please provide feedback to:

tony.mussari@gmail.com