Incorporating the new voice-overs into the project and it sounds just great. Am very pleased with the results. The new guys have been wonderful to work with. Many thanks to:
Tom Bromhead
Tom Kennedy
Steve Vallo
and
Doug Billings
As of last night, I have to get someone to fill in for my buddy Jay, who is going to be out of town for several months due to his job. Therefore he won't be able to continue on as Ernest Wayne Warner. A real shame, because he played the part so well. So, will be going back to Voice123 to get someone to play the role. What are you gonna do??
At least I have the option of doing this now, and that is a relief. Back to the drawing board...
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
that's great! keep up the good work ![]()
God bless those heroes who suffered and died, for plain folks, like you and me.
War is a crime. Ask the infantry and ask the dead.
Thanks sweetie. Good to hear from you. Means a lot to me to hear from my buddies. It's good for the soul and for my morale.
Was feeling pretty damned low for a few months, for things just weren't moving ahead. But, things are looking up, and I AM going to get this off the ground.
One of my favorite sequences is from chapter two and involves Donald Casey, 540th Eng and Carl Furtado, 36 Eng. It is December 42 and Jan 43 and they are reading their diary entries over some archived film footage from North Africa, while a beautiful piano rendition of White Christmas is playing. It always brings tears to my eyes. I had it visualized in my head, and it turned out even better than I imagined. This is what keeps me going...
Much love,
M1
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Okay, I need a cheering section with every member!!! We gotta get some good karma flowing!!!
I need one last ACTOR to complete chapters one and two! I've had a request on Voice 123, for someone to audition for the role of Ernest Wayne Warner, and of course this time around, NOT ONE AUDITION. Every time I've placed a role on their site, I've gotten almost immediate response, and sometimes several people would audition for a said role. This time, not one bite and it's been almost six days. Can't believe I got this far, only to have it come to a stand still again! ![]()
The frustrating thing is; I already had someone to play his role, but they were forced to move out of state due to the job crisis, so he can't do it for me anymore. And even more frustrating, he played the part so well.
So everybody hold hands and OM! Maybe it will work today!
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Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Here's a letter I composed this morning, and will be sending out to dozens of corporations and organizations. Wish me luck!
============
Dear ??????:
I'm the historian and web master for 6thcorpscombatengineers.com, a comprehensive website dedicated to my father and his fellow veterans. What began as a simple labor of love, quickly grew into the site it is today, with over 133,000 visitors since June 24th, 2004. The site features dozens of veteran's stories, hundreds of pages of documentation, over 2000 combat engineer photographs, various links, archived film footage, and a very popular WWII forum with more than 700 members, including many veterans.
Beyond conducting my own independent research, I've had several articles published in WWII Magazine, and Army Engineer Magazine, and I'm working in conjunction with historians at the Army Corps of Engineers Office of History, and the U.S. Army School of Engineering.
One thing I'm constantly reminded of; very little credit is given to WWII engineers. While there are thousands of books and films dedicated to this period in history, combat engineers seemed to have slipped between cracks; a downright shame.
When speaking to "my boys" (as I affectionately refer to them), they often express disappointment, and sometimes outright anger at being forgotten, and this brings me to the reason I am writing to you today.
I'm producing a several-hour documentary series, NO BRIDGE TOO FAR, the story of four engineer regiments; the 36th, 39th, 540th, and 1108th. The production begins with state-side training, covers their first beachhead assault in North Africa, and every campaign thereafter, concluding with post-war occupation in Germany and Austria, emphasizing the unique and extensive role played by each unit during the war.
As you may be aware, our WWII veterans won't be around for much longer, and it serves as additional motivation to get the "show-on-the-road". However, I'm working as an independent producer with a very limited budget, and therefore seeking contributions ranging from $500.00 to $5000.00, to help me bring my dream to fruition. Until now, I've solely relied on donations from the veterans and their families, but funds are quickly dwindling, as costs for copyrighted material, voice-over talents, etc., continue to accrue.
If you are unable to assist at this time, would you kindly pass my letter to other corporations or organizations who may be interested. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards,
Marion Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek - 540th Combat Engineer
1460 Joy St / PO Box 147 Alger, MI 48610-0147
989-859-8418
www.6thcorpscombatengineers.com
www.6thcorpsmusic.us
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
I should have added, if anyone needs copies of my letters to take to your local business, etc. please let me know, if you need copies mailed to you.
You can also download a copy of this letter (via PDF), to print. Thanks. I can use all the help I can get.
Seeking_underwriters____To_Whom_it_May_Concern.pdf
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Sigh, I see my letter only had one download since Wednesday, and that was ME seeing if the link was a-okay! ![]()
Oh well. I mailed seven letters this morning including some to local veteran's groups. But included in those were also letters to Dow Chemical in Midland, MI, The Detroit Tigers, Redwings and Lions, and the Saganing Indian Casino nearby in Standish. I am going to keep this going, and try and send out at least a couple every day.
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Have you tried your local VFW or American Legion for support? Fundraising is a daunting process. I've found people are more likely to donate when they see you face to face and have a common interest.
Wonder how much $ a booth at the WWII Weekend in PA would be? Raffles always rake in the dough. Especially if you're raffling off a donated item.
God bless those heroes who suffered and died, for plain folks, like you and me.
War is a crime. Ask the infantry and ask the dead.
Have you tried your local VFW or American Legion for support? Fundraising is a daunting process. I've found people are more likely to donate when they see you face to face and have a common interest.
Yes, as stated above, I sent them to several local veteran's organizations. I know I have to get around to joining one of these days too, but I only have so many hours in my day. Now if I could only clone myself. ![]()
Yes, you are correct, I probably would have more success in person, but it is very difficult for me to get out. Plus we live way out in the country. To get to any LARGE city, it's at least a 45 minute drive one-way.
I'm working six days a week in the store too. That's why I am asking for assistance from everyone. I simply can't do this all by myself anymore. Plus if I'm on and about going from place to place, then I'm not at home working on the documentary. It's a viscous circle.![]()
I TRULY do appreciate everyone's input, assistance and internet hugs. I am grateful for any support I receive. ![]()
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
ASSISTANCE PLEASE!!!!
I've written to several people, many who promised to get back to me with an answer, and as of yet (after months of waiting) I still DO NOT have a small men's choir/chorus to sing three WWII engineer songs.
Please, if you can help me, let me know right away. I know there is someone out there who would be willing to assist me.
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Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Went through chapters one and two (PART ONE), and have completed all the re-do's for the voice-overs, using the professional microphone. Big difference. Not only does it sound better, but I've taken the time to listen to every segment (diligently), and make little changes to make them even better.
I just finished the last vocal this morning, and am now ready to work on the final credits, which will appear at the end of the production. I hope to have this complete within the next couple of days.
I am also going to work on the art work for the DVD disk and case, so I can send it to the publisher.
We are getting down to the final few hours of prep, and...
I am very, very pleased and excited about the prospects. Stay tuned for last minute announcements and availability for purchase.
It sure has been learning experience, as I have had to teach myself everything from A to Z about documentary production. It's been a long haul, but I now have everything under my belt and will be ready to tackle the rest of the documentary, with a vengeance.
Now that the learning curve has been mastered, I can concentrate on content and not worry about what software I am going to use, how to create the best mix, where I am going to get the next voice-over talent, etc.
Have to run right now, for I have to get back to work in the store for another hour or so, then back to work on the documentary.
I know many have kind of given up on me, but I can't blame them, for it's been a long time in the making. I can tell that it's happened, for hardly anyone pays attention to the posts regarding my progress (or lack thereof), but I have several who have stuck by me and have written or called to keep up my morale, when I really needed it. I can't thank you enough, for I have certainly had my ups and downs, and needed friends.
M1
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
I FOR ONE AM STILL 1000% BEHIND YOUR EFFORTS DAMN THE TORPEDOS, FULL SPEED AHEAD !!!!!!!!!!!
JUSTANOLDDOGFACESAIDIT >>>
Roque J.(Rocky) Riojas
Ah, Rocky, you are definitely one of the people who have been one of my most staunch supporters. You have ALWAYS been there for me through thick and thin, and I thank you for it. If it weren't for you, this topic would be one lonely spot for me.
Much love and many thanks. It means A LOT!!!!
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Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company
Great news Marion! I know you worked long and hard.
((Hugs))
God bless those heroes who suffered and died, for plain folks, like you and me.
War is a crime. Ask the infantry and ask the dead.
Thanks Brooke! I can feel da love! ![]()
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter 'Monday' Poniedzialek
540th Combat Engineer - H&S Company