A research and development road trip across the United States for approximately 8-10 weeks throughout the months of July, August and September of 2011, prior to the actual making of the indie film "Thunder Road". During which time a series of meetings with soldiers (and their families) who have recently returned home to the US from active duty abroad will be scheduled. The research encompasses the entire scope of a soldier's life from before enlistment, through basic training to active duty abroad, and then returning home. The prime focus is on the physical and emotional hardship suffered and how well the needs of these returning servicemen are met by the institutions who support them. However, this is not a political project by any means as the Astoria team believes that putting politics into the equation distracts from the more important concern, that of the soldiers themselves.

Additionally, and in keeping with ASTORIA's ongoing integrated philanthropic efforts, the team will be working with several charities and relief foundations during their travels, including but not limited to: tornado relief in Joplin, MO, and community outreach programs in Louisiana, rebuilding homes in the post-Katrina aftermath. They are also volunteering for and presenting awards to the veterans at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Pittsburg, Penn.

Joining the team for the journey will be Elizabeth Cook- Disabled US ARMY Veteran and Associate Producer for Astoria Entertainment, Jupiter Baudot- Researcher / Documentarian, Matt Dallas- Actor, Steven Grayhm - Actor and Co-founder of Astoria, Charlie Bewley - Actor and Co-Founder of Astoria.

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                > Into The Heart Of America - A Soldier's Story
                    + TwitCam July 31st, 2011
                    + TwitCam September 7th, 2011
                    + TwitCam September 10th, 2011
                    + Astoria Ent. Videos