Veterans
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Vietnam
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First Interview
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Second Interview
(If Applicable) |
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Lt. General(R) Paul Funk
LTG(R) Funk was the Captain in charge of Apache Troop. In 1991, he went on to lead what many call the last great tank battle of the 20th century when he crushed the Republican Guard in Iraq. |
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Lieutenant Jack Hugele
As a Special Forces trained Green Beret, Lt. Hugele’s humility and leadership skills pulled Apache Troop through some of their most harrowing battles. |
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Lieutenant RB Alexander
An explosives expert who had never worked infantry, Lt. Alexander found himself as the emergency fill-in after Apache Troop lost their Lt. He rose to the challenge. |
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Lieutenant Gary Qualley
Lt. Qualley was shot in the femoral artery as well as both legs, shattering his bones. He illustrates the physical cost of war and how there is much more to it than just sewing up the bullet holes. |
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Command Sgt. Major(R)
Tony Cortez CSM(R) Cortez is a veteran of four American conflicts and has served his country on six different continents. |
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Sergeant Kregg Jorgenson
Sgt. Jorgenson gained “fame” when a CBS News Crew captured footage of him being shot. He refused a one month assignment on the beach to recover and hitchhiked his way back to the unit. |
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Sergeant Jim Braun
As the Radio-Telephone Operator (RTO) Sgt. Braun had to be the cool voice of reason during even the worst of circumstances. He was also the oldest member of the platoon at the ripe old age of 22. |
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Sergeant Ed Beal
Sgt. Beal witnessed history while serving during the Tet Offensive, Dak To, Khe Sahn and with Apache Troop. His interviews can only be described as incredibly raw and powerful. Sergeant Joe Sanchez
Shot on the same day as Cpt. Qualley, Sgt. Sanchez was told he would never be able to use his arm again. He ignored that prognosis and became a champion rodeo roper. |
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Sergeant Charlie Ochoa
A Ranger team leader who spent 18 months in country, Sgt. Ochoa speaks about what it was like to be rescued by Apache Troop. |
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Specialist 5 Richard Del Valle
The platoon medic, “Doc” would rush into enemy fire to treat his fallen teammates. Pretty amazing for a 19 year-old who had been in high school the year before. |
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Specialist 4 Duane Bloor
Specialist Bloor was a heavy machine gunner who laid down the suppressive fire. Specialist Bloor’s mastery of the M60 is the reason many of these men will tell you they are alive today. |
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Secondary Interviews
Experts:
Dr. Roy Clymer Ph.D
Head of Walter Reed Hospital’s PTSD Program for 13 years |
Randall Wallace
Writer-Director of WE WERE SOLDIERS |
Father Mike Olson
Retired Colonel and former Medevac Pilot |
Family:
Carol Del Valle
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Lynn Johnson Baynes
(Ed Beal's Fiance) |
Jason Hugele
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Mary Bloor
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Sharon Hugele
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Beverly Ochoa
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Brenda and Isiah Overly
(Ed Beal's Daughter and Grandson) |
Locations:
At the National Vietnam War Museum with Treasurer, Jim Messinger
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Sgt. Jorgenson with an Apache Troop Vietnam War Reenactor in Tigerland, LA
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Washington DC for the Apache Troop Reunion
Crew
Dave Merlino
(Writer-Director) |
Jack Faris
(Producer) |
Dustin Sweet
(Writer-Director) |
Charles Schaefer
(Director of Photography) |
Chris Duerkopp
(Additional Camera) |
Behind the Scenes:
APACHE BLUES: Welcome Home is a fiscally sponsored project of the International Documentary Association (IDA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions on behalf of APACHE BLUES: Welcome Home are payable to IDA and are tax deductible, as allowed by law