Sunday, October 26, 2014

Trooper

The October 30, 2014, episode of American Heroes Radio features a conversation with the writer, director and producer of Trooper, Christopher Martini; and, the executive producer, Lieutenant Colonel Lori D. Renwick, USA.

Program Date:  October 30, 2014
Program Time: 1200 hours, PACIFIC
Topic: Trooper

About the Guest
The October 30, 2014, episode of American Heroes Radio features a conversation with the writer, director and producer of Trooper, Christopher Martini; and, the executive producer, Lieutenant Colonel Lori D. Renwick, USA.

Trooper is a film about an Iraq Veteran as he struggles to come to grips with the changes war has made in his life and those around him. Murphy O'Shea (Christopher Martini), an Iraq Veteran, has a hard time re-adjusting to society upon his return from a long tour. His world crumbles when he discovers his father (Gary Swanson), a Vietnam Veteran, is dying. His brother (Max Martini), currently on tour, reminds him to "shut up and take it". Follow the story of a family of Veterans, as they struggle with daily life and help each other heal the wounds of War.

Christopher Martini's first entry into the industry was as a child actor on a Feature Film for HBO, acting opposite John Lithgow. In 1996 Chris graduated from NYU film school and has been working as a feature film editor ever since. Chris' short film, "The Stone Child", about a Lakota Native-American boy coming of age, played at over 20 film festivals, and aired on Channel 13 in NYC. Chris' first feature film, "Trooper", about a returning Iraq War veteran, earned Chris the "Renaissance Man Award" at the 2011 Garden State Film Festival. Chris was the writer, director and star.

In 2013, Chris was honored with the job of producing a grand art installation video for renowned Vancouver artist, Stan Douglas, and Executive Produced by David Zwirner and the David Zwirner gallery in NYC, one of the top art galleries in the world, representing other artists such as Jeff Koons. The video features famed jazz musician, Jason Moran, and the shoot involved 70's period set dressing and costumes. Chris has dual citizenship (American and Italian), and lives in Brooklyn, where he writes screenplays and plans his next film, in between producing and editing projects.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Lieutenant Colonel D. Renwick’s first assignment was a year tour in South Korea, north of the “no smile line” with the 2nd Infantry Division.  After promotion to Captain she was deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina in an Aviation Liaison position in Mostar.  After that deployment she attended Military Intelligence Officer Advanced Course and was subsequently deployed to Qatar.  After eight years of active duty she transferred to the New Your National Guard.  Lieutenant Colonel Renwick then volunteered for a deployment to Iraq where she was a military police battalion intelligence officer. 

Lieutenant Colonel Lori D. Renwick has earned numerous awards and certificates throughout her 17 year military career, to include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, one oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal, 2 NATO Ribbons, and the Army Aviation badge.

About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life.  Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
           
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years.  He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant.  He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University.  He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership.  Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One.  He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.


Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
909.599.7530