The First Annual "GI Film Festival": Highlights from Day 1

Brandon Millett and his wife Laura Law-Millett hope to help turn Washington, DC into the place to go over Memorial Day Weekend with the "GI Film Festival." The Milletts invited producers, directors, veterans and celebrities such as R. Lee Ermey and Gary Sinise for a film festival that celebrates the sacrifices of the men and women in the military.

Some highlights from Saturday, May 26:

"Vietnam: Homecoming": Executive producers Lou and Scott Reda sat down to answer questions about this documentary, which focuses on the Vietnam Veteran reunion that took place in 2005 in Branson, MO. Even after being home for 30-40 years, the events that happened in Vietnam still haunt some veterans, even driving a wedge between one soldier and his wife.

"War Stories: Untold Tales of Heroism from the Front Lines": What happens when a best-selling author, two Medal of Honor winners, a retired Brigadier General and R. Lee Ermey sit down together? The answer is one of the most lively and off-the-cuff discussions about heroism on the front lines. Hosted by WMAL Talk Show Host Chris Plante, the panel contained the following notable individuals:

1) Andrew Carroll: author of "War Letters" and the founder and director of "The Legacy Project," an organization that encourages people to collect and preserve wartime correspondence.

2) Brigadier General (Ret.) Steve Ritchie: the only Air Force Fighter Pilot Ace since the Korean War (an Ace is a military aviator who is credited with shooting down 5 or more enemy aircraft during combat). His other honors include the Air Force Cross, four Silver Stars and 10 Distinguished Flying Crosses

3) R. Lee Ermey: served in the United States Marine Corps for 11 years. He served in Vietnam before being medically retired in 1971. After using his GI Bill to study drama, Ermey has appeared in more than 60 movies and television shows, most notably "Full Metal Jacket." He hosts "Mail Call" on the History Channel and is developing an prime-time animated series.

4) John F. Baker, Jr.: Medal Of Honor winner for his heroic actions as a Private First Class in Vietnam