Aiden Childress and Nathan Garrett with Post Commander Ted Chitanbar, Tom Talbert and other American Legion members. JOAN RUSEK/COURTESY PHOTOS
Two Babcock Ranch teens received high honors from American Legion Post 415 at their meeting on Monday, April 15. Nathan Garrett and Aiden Childress were both awarded the American Legion Americanism Award, an inaugural honor given by the Post.
“The award is given to youth most dedicated to the high qualities of citizenship and true Americanism,” said Tom Talbert, Post member during the award presentation.
Talbert, a veteran of both the U.S. Air Force Reserves and the Navy, served as a videographer during his military tenure. In civilian life, he pursued a career in broadcasting, amassing 40 years of extensive experience in videography. Even after his retirement, he remains dedicated to service, volunteering at the Military Heritage Museum and conducting live interviews with Southwest Florida veterans for the Library of Congress.
With the museum securing a grant to partially fund the video production, already named and ready to go, Talbert was spurred into action to ensure its completion.
Both Babcock High School students worked with Talbert to create a film titled “Why we still serve, the veteran volunteers of the Military Heritage Museum” for the Punta Gorda attraction.
“Working with them was an outstanding experience,” Talbert shared. “It gave me a reason to get out of bed each day when I didn’t want to, and it gives me a lot of hope for the future.”
Talbert dedicated the film to his daughter, Erin, who tragically died in a car crash shortly after he took on the project. “I was grieving,” he explained. “The film gave me something to focus on besides my own troubles.”
The film will be prominently featured at the museum and utilized for promotional activities, ensuring its exposure to tens of thousands of viewers for years to come.
“The museum itself is impressive,” Talbert said. Near Fishermen’s Village, the Military Heritage Museum boasts a collection of thousands of military artifacts and offers a unique flight simulator experience. It stands out as the only military museum in the region, showcasing all branches of service and U.S.-involved wars. With about 30,000 veterans in the area and Florida ranking third in veteran population, the museum provides a rare chance to meet these heroes in person.
Garrett played a crucial role in developing the film’s top-notch video graphics. He lent his expertise in editing and generously devoted nearly 20 hours to the project. “He represents the ethics and values the American Legion promotes,” Talbert said.
Impressed by Childress’ drone piloting skills, Talbert enlisted his help in capturing key segments for the film. Childress’ strategic footage enhanced the project’s quality, earning him respect for his enthusiasm and work ethic, which Talbert emphasized significantly elevated the film’s impact.
“During the 2021 pandemic shut down there was nothing to do so I started a You- Tube channel and made some videos with mostly commentary.” Garrett continued, “I don’t do those anymore, but I’ve always been interested in history so when Tom asked for help, I responded.”
Nathan and mom Lynne Garrett JOAN RUSEK/COURTESY PHOTOS
His late father, Robert, worked in radio broadcasting as a morning DJ on a rock station formally known as 99X Rock. “It’s in my blood,” said Garrett. His mother, Lynne Garrett, beamed with pride as she reflects on his achievements this year, including his work on the film, recent induction into the National Honor Society and participation on the school tennis team.
Childress’ father, Shane, expressed how proud he is of his son. “I don’t know where he got his talent and technical abilities. It’s not from me,” he said. Childress, a junior, has lived abroad with his family and speaks several languages.
The post Local Students Awarded for Outstanding Contributions to Military Heritage Museum Film first appeared on Babcock Ranch Telegraph .
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