Dr, Eugene Lipov Talk About New PTSD Treatments

Until You Walk the Path, You Don’t Know Where It Goes will be hosting Dr. Eugene Lipov on June 13 at 5 pm eastern. Lipoy will be talking about the symptoms and new treatments for PTSD.

Eugene G. Lipov, MD is a board certified in Anesthesiology as well as Interventional Pain Management. He has been an authority in pain management for over 20 years. He completed medical school at Northwestern in 1984 and completed advanced training in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Management at Rush St. Luke’s Medical Center. He was part of Rush St. Luke’s academic faculty for more than five years.

Finding an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder has been a top Pentagon priority for years. And with an estimated one in five veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from PTSD.

Tune at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theresachaze on June 13 at 5:00 pm eastern to learn more about PTSD and new treatment options. The phone lines and chat will be available for those who wish to receive a reading or ask questions. The phone number is (347) 324-3745. The interactive chat room is available on the show’s page.

Operation Home Base: A New Military TV Series

Operation Home Base: A New Military TV Series
By
Stephen Mitchell

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk to writer Theresa Chaze about her new military series, Operation Home Base, and her other upcoming projects.

Stephen: I’ve read your proposal, pilot and the first season. You have been describing Operation Home Base as the newest military series, yet most of the stories are civilian based.

Theresa: First and foremost, OHB is about people. Although, I decided focus on military personnel, vets and their dependants, civilians also faces the same issues. I know the military and I care. I never really had the discipline to enlist myself, but I have a great deal of respect for those who do put their lives on their line. Like so many people, I never really considered what the families go through when their loved ones are deployed. Those who have loved ones who serve pull double duty with one foot in both military and civilian worlds.

Stephen: What inspired you to create OHB?

Theresa: A very good friend of mine used to volunteer for the Red Cross. The stories I heard planted the idea. But passing messages wasn’t active enough to create an hour drama. After doing research, I found several organizations who were helping military families, including one called Operation Homefront.



Stephen: From where do your your story lines come?

Theresa: From the back pages of newspapers. Unless a vet or military personnel does something really naughty, their stories don’t make the front page. I will also be using history. WWII, Korea, and Vietnam--they all have stories that need to be told. Some of them won’t be so nice to hear. But the healing has to start somewhere. So many vets came back and just buried what happened. But no matter how deeply they dug or how much denial they dumped on top of it, those experiences don’t just disappear or heal themselves.

Stephen: Can you give a few more examples from the first season?

Theresa: A Marines therapy dog was killed by two people just for the hell of it. His story will not only raise awareness about therapy dogs, but it is also the basis of a fund raiser on the show that I would really like to see blend into real life.

Someone in the had intercepted letters sent to military personnel, serving over seas, and wrote “Returned to sender. Deceased.“ Can you imagine what it felt like for the friends and family members to get their letters back? The Post Office traced the letters back to one of their hubs. Toward the end of the first season, this real life event will become Michael’s obsession.

Stephen: How does OHB compare with other dramas?

Theresa: I looked to the most successful dramas as my models: MASH, Medical Center, NCIS, Criminal Minds, Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons, The CSIs. I took the best pieces of all of them, added in real life and mixed well.

Stephen: I'm surprised to hear you list Little House and The Waltons.

Theresa: Both shows were about family. That is the foundation OHB is build on. Not only the families of vets and military personnel, but the brother and sisterhood of the military. The Marines say Semper Fi, but the concept applies to all the branches as well as to service in general. The Army vs. Navy game might have them fighting on the playing field, but when push comes to shove there is only one team--The United States.

Stephen: Which is your favorite character?

Theresa: I love them all, but I have a special fondness for Walter. He is going to be a lot like JR; the viewers will love to hate him. The thing about Walter is that he is all about family and country. Everything he does is motivated by those two things. It is the blind spot that others will use against him. He is the apex of the conspiracy or so it will seem, but even Walter doesn’t know who he is actually working for. But that is further down the road than I would like to talk about.

Stephen: I’ve noticed that most of your cast choices are older. Why?

Theresa: The characters and actors have to be older to have the experience to truly understand. Until you lived a little life, there is no way you can bring that kind of wisdom to the table. It would be very easy to bring beef cake and bikini’s to the table; that is what most shows are doing these days. But OHB is swimming in the deep end of the pool. The characters have issues. They are damaged on many levels, but in spite of all their pain, they still are willing to help others heal even if they can’t help themselves.

My site address is www.theresachaze.com. It’s the best starting point to learn about me and Operation Home Base.

Why Broadcast Television is Loosing Viewers?

Why Broadcast Television is Loosing Viewers?

It is a very simple question with a very simple answer. The networks aren’t providing a new programming that appeals to a majority of the viewers.


The networks continue to focus on teens and tween as they did during the early years of television, ignoring the fact that age demographic has changed. No longer are the tweens, teens and twenty-somethings the largest demographic. While the birth rate has decreased since the 1950’s. At the close of the 1950’s, the birth rate averaged 3.69, while the birth rate of 2008 averaged 2.10. At the same time, the average life span has in creased to 78.10 year. According to the CIA World Factbook, the median age has risen to 37.7 with largest increases being in the 50-54 and 45-49 age brackets.

Known as the baby boomer generation, those born from 1945-1959, were the largest generation to date. They were also the ones who originally made television successful. They were the ones who talked their parents into at least one TV in every home. From black and white TV’s and the choice of three-four stations if the viewer was lucky to the hundreds of channels and HD TV, the boomers were known as the television generation. Never knowing or caring to remember what life was like without television, they have remained completely loyal to the venue. Yet the industry has reward their loyalty by over looking not only their viewing needs but their spending power as well. For the first time in generations, the current generation has not financially done better than their parents. With less debt and with more stable incomes, those 35 and older are the least courted when it comes to programming and advertisers.

An undeniable fact of life is that generations relate to their own age group and those who are older. While teens are able to relate to older characters as siblings, parents, grandparent, the reverse is seldom true. A 40-something doesn't connect with the life experiences of tweens, teens, or 20-somethings. They’ve been there and done that; they want to know what is coming up for them as they grow older instead of looking back at their youth and daydreaming about going back.

Many of the new shows titillate with T & A, but no longer develop the characters or plots, which made the show interesting. As long as the girls look good in a bikini and the guys have eight-pack abs, it doesn’t matter who they are or what they are doing; the shows are made cheaply both in casting and sets. Many producers and networks aren’t simply willing to pay salaries for quality talent, so they stick with the cheaper unknowns, claiming that the older talent no longer attract an audience. Favorite actors and actresses have aged along with the viewers who originally make them popular. Tom Selleck may not attract a teen, but to women over the age of consent still think he looks pretty damn good. Jacqueline Smith is still an angel to most men. Both started as sex symbols, yet they worked to become well rounded masters of their craft.

Programming, which includes a balanced age demographic, have always been the most successful. The top ten longest running prime time scripted shows included:

1: Gunsmoke (1955-1975)
2: Lassie (1954-1972)
3: Death Valley Days (1952-1970)
4: The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952-1966)
5: Bonanza (1959-1973)
6: The Simpsons (1989-????)
7: Law & Order (1990-????)
8: My Three Sons (1960-1972)
9: Dallas (1978-1991)
10: Knots Landing (1979-1993)

However, with the recent two year renewal, The Simpsons have taken over the longest continuously running series title. Until February 7, 2010 the final episode of MASH was the most watch show ever when Super Bowl XLIV over took the position.
.

The following list are the programs, which listed with the highest average ratings by year.

1950–1951 Texaco Star Theater NBC
1951–1952 Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts CBS
1952–1955 I Love Lucy CBS
1955–1956 The $64,000 Question CBS
1956–1957 I Love Lucy CBS
1957–1961 Gunsmoke CBS
1961–1962 Wagon Train NBC
1962–1964 The Beverly Hillbillies CBS
1964–1967 Bonanza NBC
1967–1968 The Andy Griffith Show CBS
1968–1970 Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In NBC
1970–1971 Marcus Welby, M.D. ABC
1971–1976 All in the Family CBS
1976–1977 Happy Days ABC
1977–1978 Laverne and Shirley ABC
1978–1979 Three's Company ABC
1980–1982 Dallas CBS
1982–1983 60 Minutes CBS
1983–1984 Dallas CBS
1984–1985 Dynasty ABC
1985–1989 The Cosby Show NBC
1989–1990 (tie) The Cosby Show NBC
(tie) Roseanne ABC
1990–1991 Cheers NBC
1991–1993 60 Minutes CBS
1993–1994 Home Improvement ABC
1994–1995 Seinfeld NBC
1995–1997 ER NBC
1997–1998 Seinfeld NBC
1998–1999 ER NBC
1999–2000 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire ABC
2000–2001 Survivor CBS
2001–2002 Friends NBC
2002–2004 CSI CBS
2004–2009 American Idol Fox


With the exceptions of the game (Survivor and American Idol are just the latest incarnation of game shows) and news shows, these programs are well crafted scripted shows, whose characters were portrayed by many generations of actors.

The tread continues into 2010 Top Ranking Shows of the 2009-2010 Season Through Feb. 7, 2010


Rank Program Name Net
1 UNDERCOVER BOSS CBS
2 AMERICAN IDOL-TUESDAY FOX
3 AMERICAN IDOL-WEDNESDAY FOX
4 NCIS CBS
5 SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NBC
6 DANCING WITH THE STARS ABC
7 NCIS: LOS ANGELES CBS
8 THE MENTALIST CBS
9 DANCING W/STARS RESULTS ABC
10 CSI CBS
11 CBS NFL NATL POST GAME CBS
12 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES ABC
13 CRIMINAL MINDS CBS
14 TWO AND A HALF MEN CBS
15 GREY'S ANATOMY ABC
16 SUNDAY NIGHT NFL PRE-KICK NBC
17 THE BIG BANG THEORY CBS
18 60 MINUTES CBS
19 CSI: NY CBS
20 HOUSE FOX



According to TV Guide The Most Popular TV Shows Rank
TV Show Next On Network
1 American Idol Tue, Feb 23 08:00 PM ET FOX
2 The Bachelor Mon, Feb 15 08:00 PM ET ABC
3 NCIS Mon, Feb 15 06:00 AM ET USA
4 Real Housewives of
Orange County Thu, Feb 18 10:00 PM ET BRAVO
5 Dancing with the Stars Not airing in the next 14 days
6 24 Mon, Feb 15 09:00 PM ET FOX
7 Criminal Minds Sat, Feb 13 12:01 AM ET A&E
8 Keeping Up with
the Kardashians Mon, Feb 15 10:00 PM ET E!
9 Grey's Anatomy Tue, Feb 16 06:00 PM ET LIFE
10 Desperate Housewives Mon, Feb 15 03:00 PM ET LIFE
11 Bones Sat, Feb 13 06:00 PM ET WGNAME
12 House Sat, Feb 13 06:00 PM ET BRAVO
13 Bad Girls Club Sat, Feb 13 09:00 AM ET OXYGN
14 Smallville Fri, Feb 19 08:00 PM ET CW
15 Vampire Diaries Thu, Feb 18 08:00 PM ET CW
16 Days of Our Lives Tue, Feb 16 01:00 PM ET NBC
17 Biggest Loser Not airing in the next 14 days
18 Secret Life of the
American Teenager Mon, Feb 15 08:00 PM ET ABCFAM
19 One Tree Hill Mon, Feb 15 08:00 PM ET CW
20 Damages Mon, Feb 15 10:00 PM ET FX
21 The Game Sat, Feb 13 12:30 PM ET BET
22 Nip/Tuck Wed, Feb 17 10:00 PM ET FX
23 Big Bang Theory Mon, Feb 15 09:31 PM ET CBS
24 iCarly Sat, Feb 13 12:00 PM ET NIK
25 Chuck Not airing in the next 14 days
26 Lost Tue, Feb 16 09:00 PM ET ABC
27 Supernatural Mon, Feb 15 09:00 AM ET TNT
28 Ghost Whisperer Sat, Feb 13 01:00 AM ET WE
29 Wizards of Waverly Place Sat, Feb 13 04:00 PM ET DISNEY
30 Family Guy Sun, Feb 14 09:00 PM ET FOX
31 Young and the Restless Mon, Feb 15 12:30 PM ET CBS
32 90210 Tue, Feb 16 08:00 PM ET CW
33 Brothers & Sisters Sun, Feb 21 10:01 PM ET ABC
34 Gossip Girl Wed, Feb 17 09:00 PM ET CW
35 Oprah Winfrey Not airing in the next 14 days
36 Law & Order:
Special Victims Unit Sat, Feb 13 11:00 PM ET USA
37 Hannah Montana Sat, Feb 13 11:00 AM ET ABC
38 Legend of the Seeker Sat, Feb 13 04:00 PM ET WGNAME
39 The Office Sat, Feb 13 06:30 PM ET TBS
40 Fringe Not airing in the next 14 days
41 Friday Night Lights Not airing in the next 14 days
42 CSI: Miami Sat, Feb 13 07:00 PM ET A&E
43 Glee Not airing in the next 14 days
44 Eastwick Not airing in the next 14 days
45 Heroes Not airing in the next 14 days
46 Two and a Half Men Mon, Feb 15 09:00 PM ET CBS
47 The Mentalist Thu, Feb 18 09:00 PM ET CBS
48 Teen Mom Sat, Feb 13 02:00 PM ET MTV
49 The Good Wife Tue, Feb 16 10:00 PM ET CBS
50 Jersey Shore Sat, Feb 13 08:00 PM ET MTV
51 The Unit Sun, Feb 14 03:00 AM ET BET
52 Burn Notice Thu, Feb 18 10:00 PM ET USA
53 How I Met Your Mother Mon, Feb 15 01:00 AM ET LIFE
54 Private Practice Thu, Feb 18 10:01 PM ET ABC
55 Sons of Anarchy Not airing in the next 14 days
56 Medium Sat, Feb 13 12:30 AM ET LIFE
57 Dr. Oz Show Not airing in the next 14 days
58 General Hospital Mon, Feb 15 03:00 PM ET ABC
59 Law & Order Sat, Feb 13 06:00 AM ET TNT
60 Ugly Betty Sat, Feb 13 07:00 PM ET TVGN
61 America's Next Top Model Sat, Feb 13 08:00 AM ET BRAVO
62 White Collar Sun, Feb 14 01:00 AM ET USA
63 Castle Mon, Feb 15 10:00 PM ET ABC
64 Phineas and Ferb Sat, Feb 13 08:00 AM ET DISXD
65 Army Wives Not airing in the next 14 days
66 Modern Family Wed, Feb 17 08:00 PM ET ABC
67 NUMB3RS Sat, Feb 13 04:00 AM ET TNT
68 Cold Case Sun, Feb 14 10:00 PM ET CBS
69 Dateline NBC Not airing in the next 14 days
70 Project Runway Sat, Feb 13 10:00 AM ET LRW
71 All My Children Mon, Feb 15 01:00 AM ET SOAP
72 Masterpiece Sun, Feb 14 09:00 PM ET PBS
73 True Blood Not airing in the next 14 days
74 Human Target Wed, Feb 17 08:00 PM ET FOX
75 Make It or Break It Mon, Feb 15 09:00 PM ET ABCFAM
76 Bold and the Beautiful Mon, Feb 15 01:30 PM ET CBS
77 CSI: Crime Scene
Investigation Sat, Feb 13 01:00 AM ET SPIKE
78 Scrubs Sat, Feb 13 01:00 PM ET COMEDY
79 Leverage Sat, Feb 13 10:00 AM ET TNT
80 Cops Sat, Feb 13 08:00 PM ET FOX
81 The Deep End Thu, Feb 18 08:00 PM ET ABC
82 Spartacus: Blood and Sand Fri, Feb 19 10:00 PM ET STARZ
83 Dora the Explorer Mon, Feb 15 08:00 AM ET NIK
84 Dollhouse Not airing in the next 14 days
85 Mad Men Not airing in the next 14 days
86 NCIS: Los Angeles Tue, Feb 16 09:00 PM ET CBS
87 20/20 Fri, Feb 19 10:00 PM ET ABC
88 Big Love Sun, Feb 14 09:00 PM ET HBOe
89 Life Unexpected Mon, Feb 15 09:00 PM ET CW
90 Saturday Night Live Not airing in the next 14 days
91 The Pregnancy Pact Not airing in the next 14 days
92 Suite Life on Deck Sat, Feb 13 01:30 AM ET DISXD
93 Mercy Not airing in the next 14 days
94 Girls Next Door Sat, Feb 13 01:00 AM ET E!
95 Extreme Makeover:
Home Edition Sun, Feb 14 09:00 PM ET ABC
96 The Middle Wed, Feb 17 08:30 PM ET ABC
97 Doctor Who Sat, Feb 13 11:00 PM ET PBS
98 Law & Order:
Criminal Intent Sat, Feb 13 06:00 AM ET USA
99 So You Think
You Can Dance Not airing in the next 14 days
100 Cougar Town Wed, Feb 17 09:30 PM ET ABC

Quality programming, which has to multi-generational appeal, has proven for decades to not only to be big rating winners, but also the longer lasting shows. In addition, these same shows have become popular syndication favorites by expanding their fan base into the ever growing world of cable networks.

Yet networks continue to produce programming specifically targeted toward the tweens, teens and twenty-somethings. Advertisers still consider the same age group as preferred target. They simply fail to comprehend that by casting a wider net by including all age groups, they also catch the not only the teeny boppers, but also their older family members. The catch is that talent, who have a successful track record of producing quality work and being able to attract viewers, yet the like all masters of crafts, they also cost more, which is a price most producers and networks are unwilling to pay. By cutting costs and quality, they have turned away the viewing demographic, which not only made the television popular, but who now have the disposable income to make it successful. Instead of watching the new shows, older viewers are turning to older TV shows, either on DVD and the increasing number of nostalgia networks. TV Land may have started the trend, but they are hardly the last to see the value in bringing back the old favorites.

The simple fact is that technology continues to give viewers continue more options. They are no longer limited to the three local broadcast station. In fact, television has become a land without borders. If the viewers don’t like what the networks are presenting, they can simply channel surf, rent or search the net until they find something that appeals to them.

Operation Home Base: A Family of Man Drama

I have been asked what is different or unique about Operation Home Base. Why should producers risk their money? Why would a network schedule it? Why would people make time in their busy schedules to watch it? Simple. It is about people, situations and events that the viewers can identify with. It doesn’t depend on special effects, gadgets or sexual fantasies. It’s a back to the basics of family acceptable programming that is not only entertaining, but also timely with situations that people are experiencing today.

The character are not only characters, they are individual who have personalities, flaws and unique perspectives on the world. Aging from 7 to 70, the characters cross generations, creating an accurate cross section of population today. Like most successful shows in the past, the viewers will be able to identify with the characters as grandparents, parents, siblings, children and friends Unlike many of the new shows, the characters have depth and motivation that goes beyond being sexy.

Hank Bogley is listed as MIA under questionable circumstances during Operation Desert Storm. The Army refused to answer the family’s question about his disappearance. Unable to get answers on their own or through their state representatives, Pat and Rose Bogley approached the staff of OHB for help. Using the back door contacts and by calling in old favors, Elaine and Michael with Martin’s help quickly learn that the essential details of where and when Bogley disappeared were falsified on the official records. Unable to deter the team with the usual methods of intimidation and bribery, a shill nonprofit organization called Valhalla, with Retired General Walter Hummel as the head, is set up as the carrot to tempt the founding members with unlimited funds and power, which they could use to help others. The mission is to destroy OHB from the inside out and discredit the founders.

Although General Walter Hummel is officially retired, he continues the same work, only it’s been taken off the books. Enlisting during the close of the Korea War, Hummel quickly rose in the ranks by doing what was necessary to protect his country and its secrets. He got the job done and never looked back. In Vietnam, Hummel was assigned to cover up break down in command and the illegal actions of others that caused the deaths of nearly an entire company and the vengeance on a small village that followed. His success opened doors to both promotions and power, yet he desired neither. His motivation came from love of family and country. He wanted his children to have a life better than his own and he was more than willing to do whatever was necessary to make it happen. He could be a cold blooded bastard, yet a loving and protective parent; he saw no inconsistency in ordering the death of others, while attending his son’s baseball game. When his grandson and his wife were murdered, Hummel took custody of their daughter, Tessa and circled the wagons around his family. Walter Hummel is a man the viewers will love to hate

Martin Flying Crow enlisted in the Navy to escape the abject poverty. In Vietnam, he served two tours as a medic. Although he was not officially allowed to carry weapons, he did not hesitate to defend those in his unit by whatever means necessary. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Deek. After his term of service, he quickly learned how little emotional, spiritual, and medical support there was for the military personnel, vets and wounded warriors along with their families. Working on a local level out of his garage, he gathered information, contacts, and resources, which he used to improve the lives of those affected by war. He gained national attention when he was able to talk a wounded warrior out of committing suicide

Ex-Special Ops, Deacon James Williams was nick named Deek soon after he was deployed in Vietnam the summer of 1966. Assigned Recon Intelligence, he worked closely with the Montagnard and the Vietnamese Army. Five years later, he re-emerged from his assignment and was immediately airlifted out, without any official records of his activities. As part of the financial aid agreement with the government, Williams was named as Head of OHB, officially answering only to the heads of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Pentagon. However, in the actual chain of command Deek reported directly to Hummel. Charming one minute, deadly the next, Williams is able to accomplish the seemingly impossible.

Randi Cullen-(Legal Aid) Randi Cullen grew up as Marine brat until her mother divorced her father early in her childhood. Eventually her mother remarried and moved across country, taking Randi and her brothers away from the military way of life. After the divorce, her birth father severed contact. He quickly became the elephant in the room that neither she nor her mother were willing to discuss for fear of where it would lead. Although both of her older brothers enlisted right out of high school, Cullen both loved and hated the military. She loved the discipline and the service, yet she blamed it for the loss of her father. Following her stepfather, she went to law school and joined the local Prosecutor’s Office. She was not only known for her fairness and tenacity, but her out spoken views.

Lt. Colonel Elaine Reynolds is retired regular army officer in her late 50’s, she is chief financial aid officer for OHB. Half accountant, half weasel, she has able to not only make stingy people take a crowbar to their wallet, but also make sure every buffalo shits twice before the nickel is spent. A career officer, mother of two, and a wife, Reynolds found a way to balance her career and family needs. Her husband, Larry Reynolds is a police detective. Her daughter Rachael is a junior in college; who does volunteer work for the OHB in the Red Cross office. Her son Mitchell is an active duty marine; his wife Debra and his children live with Reynolds while he is in the Sandbox.

Michael Woodsman is political appointee who knows the ins and outs of how and when to kiss ass and when to kick it, Woodsman worked his way up through the political system. His hard edge and cynicism makes him a dangerous opponent, but also a very effective Liaison for the OHB. A car accident in his late teens, permanently damaged his spine, the physical limitation is a source of great anger as well as being a profound motivator. Although he never served himself, he has great respect for those who do step up to the plate.

Lorelei Stewart started her life as an army brat who married Army. It was after his death of her husband that she learned how little support military personnel and their families actually received. Determined to use her experiences to help others, she became one of the founders of Operation Home Base. Whether it be with a wise-crack, singing a song, or with a ruler across the knuckles, she has a unique ability to defuse tense situations that could have easily become violent.

Half Potawatomi half Mexican, Master Sergeant Stella Garcia is woman in her late 30’s who planned to be a career soldier; however, the IED, which took her left leg, ended her active field duty. Emotionally, she couldn’t find the reason for her surviving when rest of her buddies were killed. Using alcohol and sex to numb the pain, she walked through life unable to feel anything. She settled into her new desk job, yet her dreams were haunted by the ghosts of her unit and the others. They asked her why she ran away from her duty--why she allowed their deaths to be in vain. Through ancient ceremonies she not only found the strength to heal and forgive herself, but also finds her new destiny. By volunteering for Mortuary duty, she became the Wind Talker who spoke for the dead and insured their wishes were fully carried out.

Debra Anne Lee (Red Cross). In her early twenties, this southern bell grew up with seven older brothers most of whom join the military. A martial arts expert in her own right, she is proud of her family heritage that can be traced back to the civil war. Her mother used to say that Debra Anne walked where fools and angels fear to tread and was kicked out for being a smart ass. More moxie and intelligence than common sense, she is willing to take on situations and people that most people run away from.

Harold Phoebus taught his son Homer Alexander to not only fly before he was able to legally drive a car, but how to make repairs with whatever parts were available. Homer joined the U.S. Air at the age of eighteen, becoming one of the youngest chopper pilots to serve in the Corps history. A career pilot and officer, he was one of the most decorated pilots of the Vietnam conflict. Though he was a hero with his men, he frequently came to conflict with command; his superiors considered him a necessary pain in the ass that represented the best and worse of the Air Corps. Refusing to send others on missions he considered too dangerous, he gained the nickname the Lone Ranger and his Jolly Green, Silver. Homer actively flew missions past the time most pilots were grounded. It wasn’t until his wife, Kim-Ly was diagnosed with cancer did he accept the promotion to Commander and the desk job that went with it. However, he spent little time polishing the seat with his ass. Instead he taught the dog-fighting and his dusting off techniques to new generations of pilots by showing them how it was down, not lecturing in a class room. More than a teacher, Homer considered every pilot he taught to be his son or daughter

Although some of the storylines will be ripped from the headlines, most will come from the back pages, while others will not have received any public attention. Not all vets are homeless. Not all vets go Rambo on small towns. Not all vets are heroes. But the one thing they all have in common is that once they have served, they are no longer the same. From those who fought in WWII, Korea and all those since then to the nurses and non-combatants, OHB will show how war affect not only those who serve, but those who love them. It will show the honor as well as the dishonor. The heroes and the villains that are created by war.

Even though, the storylines will be based around military personnel and their families, the situations will also be too familiar to civilian. From financial crisis to loss of a family member to new love and happy endings, Operation Home Base will tell the stories which will not only entertain, but make the viewers laugh and cry. OHB could be best described as a family of man drama, which will show the best and worst of the human condition.  The viewers will be able to easily relate to the characters as family members, friends or the person they see in the mirror. Unlike most new shows, which either appeal to adults or children, OHB will be a drama that will appeal to the whole family.

Military Drama Operation Home Base: Family of Man Drama

Operation Home Base: Ensemble Cast for All Ages


In the style of MASH and NCIS, Operation Home Base has a strong ensemble cast that will appeal to a broad demographic base that includes gender, ages, and ethnicity. While MASH focused on the effects of war and NCIS concentrates on criminal situations involving military personnel, OHB will incorporate both while revealing the challenges military families face daily along with the conflicts that originate from involvement with civilians.

Although military issues and situations will act as a backdrop for the show, OHB deals with the human condition as it applies to those in and out of the military, civilians will also be able to relate to same the emotional, financial and legal challenges. From the murder of a Marine’s therapy dog to the foreclosures of the family home, the storylines will be taken from the headlines. OHB will have same divorce humor that made MASH popular for years, including long running jokes about donuts and the special benefits that Deek offered Randi to get her to join the team and how she implies the benefits are sexual because she doesn’t want to share Deek’s gourmet cooking with the rest of the team. The tension between Martin and Deek will force team to no only take sides, but push them both to the brink of self destruction.

Operation Home Base is first and foremost about people. They don’t have super powers. They don’t have fancy gadgets. Coming from all facets of life, the members of OHB have the courage to put themselves on the line to help others face and deal with the pain of separation and loss. They know how much honor costs. They have been there--done that and have the scars to prove it. Ranging in age from 8 to 70, each of the characters, as well as the actors who portray them, will bring their own unique perspective, strengths and viewer loyalty.

Written as an ensemble cast, who equally shares the spotlight, OHB will reflect the ethic diversity of the country. There will be no type casting. No matter what color of skin or cultural background, the characters will be developed into flawed, yet believable people that the viewers will not only like but also identify with.

Although his history will remain largely obscure, Walter will be the bastard you love to hate. Under the guise of providing financial and political support, Walter has been sent to destroy not only OHB, but the individual members’ credibility as well. Charming, yet deadly Walter’s total unconditional love of his great-granddaughter not only keeps him human, but in a strange way explains his actions

A full blooded Oneida, Martin Flying Crow enlisted in the Navy to escape the abject poverty of the Rez only to find the destiny his ancestors placed before him Trained by his shaman grandmother, Flying Crow has walked the Red Road from childhood. At age 13, he set out on vision quest to learn his life’s path. The Eagle Spirit showed him that he was destined to be a healer and guide others. This life was to be one of service to others. He was to teach them the way of spiritual balance. However, in order to lead others, he needed to walk the path himself. Enlisting as a combat medic in the Navy was the first step of many. In Vietnam, he served two tours as a medic. Although he was not officially allowed to carry weapons, he did not hesitate to defend those in his unit by whatever means necessary. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Deek. After his tour, he returned to the Rez. Working as Paramedic, he quickly learned how little emotional, spiritual, and medical support there was for the military personnel, vets and wounded warriors along with their families. Working on a local level out of his garage, he gathered information, contacts, and resources, which he used to improve the lives of those affected by war. He gained national attention when he was able to talk a wound warrior out of committing suicide.

Ex-Special Ops, James Williams was nicknamed Deek soon after he was deployed in Vietnam the summer of 1966. Assigned to Recon Intelligence, he worked closely with the Montagnards and the Vietnamese Army. Five years later, he re-emerged from his assignment and was immediately airlifted out, without any official records of his activities. His military records were sealed except to those with the highest clearance, he occasionally disappears for days without notice or reason. As part of the financial aid agreement with the government, Williams was named as Head of OHB, answering only to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Pentagon. Charming one minute, deadly the next, Williams is able to accomplish the seemingly impossible. A permanent bachelor, he has many love interests, yet no attachments. He sees the big pictures when it comes to his career and the military, but refuses to get caught up in the messiness of intra-personnel relationships. The "companions" who warm his bed at night are never there at dawn. Although there is a great deal of speculation about him, no one really has the courage to ask.

Classy by nature, when the situation arises, retired Army Lt. Col. Elaine Reynolds is not above low blows both physically and verbally. A career officer, mother of two, and a wife, Reynolds found a way to balance her career and family needs. However, she doesn’t know where she went wrong with her daughter Amanda, who chose the Navy instead of following her into the Army. Their good natured Army vs. Navy rivalry is always tempered by love of each other and the service. When Amanda is promoted into Naval Intelligence, she and her daughter, Izzy return to the family home to provide a secure home and care for the eight year old while Amanda is deployed.

Lorelei grew up as an Army brat and married Army. It was after his death she learned how little support military personnel and their families actually received. Although, she understood and accepted his death, her children, especially her daughter, bore a grudge against the military and the government for the loss of her father. Tensions and resentments were inflamed by Lorelei finishing her education and going to work for the government. Although she was unable to help her children accept and heal from the loss of their father, Lorelei has become part Mother Superior, part Mom and part USO entertainer to those she councils. Whether it is with a wise-crack, singing a song, or with a ruler across the knuckles, she has a unique ability to defuse tense situations that could have easily become violent. Growing up as an Army brat, she not only understands the mentality of those who choose to serve, but also the subtext of the messages behind the words. Although it is not part of her normal duties, she arranges special entertainment features for the troops. On occasion, she has participated as part of the program by singing and acting in comedy skits she helped write.

Master Sergeant Stella Garcia had planned on being a “lifer.” However, the IED that killed her team and took part of her leg send her into an emotional tailspin that nearly ended her career and her life. The sole survivor of the three vehicle convoy, she suffers from PTSD and depression. Emotionally, she couldn’t find the reason for her surviving when the rest of her buddies were killed. Using alcohol and sex to numb the pain, she walked through life unable to feel anything. She settled into her new desk job, yet her dreams were haunted by the ghosts of her unit and the others. They asked her why she ran away from her duty--why she allowed their deaths to be in vain. Instead of seeking aid, she crawls deeper in the bottle. It was only by going back to her Native American roots that she was able to emotionally deal with her survivor’s guilt and find a new purpose for her service.

When a childish prank permanently disables Michael Woodsman he is unable to follow his family’s tradition of service. Instead, he went to college. Studying Political Science, he was determined to be as much of an asset to the country off the battlefield as his father was on it. A political appointee who knows the ins and outs of how and when to kiss ass and when to kick it, Woodsman worked his way up through the political system. His hard edge and cynicism makes him a dangerous opponent, but also a very effective Liaison for the OHB.

In her early twenties, Debra Ann is southern bell who grew up with seven older brothers most of whom join the military. A martial arts expert in her own right, she is proud of her family heritage that can be traced back to the civil war. Using the immortality of youth as a shield as well as her passion and natural curiosity, she would con, charm, or connive her way to achieving her goals.

Randi Cullen grew up as Marine brat until her mother divorced her father early in her childhood. Eventually her mother remarried and moved across the country, taking Randi and her brothers away from the military way of life. After the divorce, her birth father severed all contact. He quickly became the elephant in the room that neither she nor her mother were willing to discuss for fear of where it would lead. Following her stepfather‘s footsteps, she went to law school and joined the Prosecutor’s Office. She quickly rose in the ranks, being known not only for her fairness and tenacity, but her outspoken views.

Special Agent Simon Behan grew up as a Navy brat, who jokingly claims to have an allergy to water to cover his sea sickness. Clever like Columbo, charming like Magnum, yet he is a family man that would make even Bill Cosby proud. Although originally intending to be a defense attorney, the death of a friend and a series of coincidences brought him to the attention of director of NCIS, who made him an offer he couldn’t refuse, in spite of his allergy.

However, these brief descriptions are only the starting point. As a writer and creator, it is my job not to only setting the stage but also incorporating the actor’s talents and egocentrics’ into their characters. The writer and the actor need to be the parents of the character with each contributing equally to its growth and development. Without an effective partnership, the character will be stilted and flat. Several of the characters were written with specific actors in mind.

Suggested Cast:
Deacon (Deek) Williams: Tom Selleck
Martin Flying Crow: Graham Greene
Randi Cullen: Alyssa Milano
Michael Woodsman: Drake Hogeston
Lorelei Stewart: Gloria Loring
Elaine Reynolds: Deidre Hall
Walter Hummel: Alan Alda
Simon Behan: Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Although realistically, it may not be possible to hire my dream team, each of these talented actors would bring not only their vast experience and talents to the show, but their established fan bases.

In spite of the fact of the decades of decreasing birth rate and increasing healthy longevity, most new shows consider those 25 and under as the most treasured demographic. OHB’s broader based character demographic, which actually reflect the 21st century population, will not only attract those over the age of consent, but teens and tweens as well. The successes of NCIS, CSI and Criminal Minds have proved creative story telling and strong characters are what attract viewer long term viewers and loyal fans.

The baby boomer generation was not only the largest to date, but they were also the ones who originally made television successful. They were the ones who talked their parents into at least one TV in every home. From computers to cell phones, each subsequent generation has had its own invention, which has become trade mark. Not only have the baby boomers remained completely loyal to television, but they have the most stable income base. For the first time in generations, the current generation has not financially done better than their parents. With less debt and with more stable incomes, those 35 and older are the least courted when it comes to programming and advertisers.

By deliberately casting to this demographic, OHB will follow a long line of successful series such as: Gunsmoke, Bonanza, All in the Family, Marcus Welby, MASH, China Beach, etc as well as the current favorites Criminal Minds, NCIS and CSI. An undeniable fact of life is that generations relate to their own age group and those who are older. While teens can associate to older characters as siblings, parents, grandparent in older age groups, the reverse is seldom true. A 40-something doesn’t connect with the life experiences of tweens, teens, or 20-somethings. They’ve been there and done that; they want to know what is coming up for them as they grow older instead of looking back at their youth and daydreaming about going back.

Many of the new shows titillate with T & A, but don’t really develop characters or plots. Even though each new generation wants to thinks it invented sex, there hasn’t been a new position created since the Karma Sutra. OHB will be dealing with issues and challenges of those in the military, veterans and wounded warriors along with those their families must face. Sex and relationships will be dealt with honestly and strictly within the context of the plot. The gratuitous sex and violence will be left for the James Bond movies. Although it might push the limits when it comes to the pain and tragedy of war, OHB will remain as family friendly as the nightly news cast.

Much like many successful series such as MASH, The Waltons, and Little House on the Prairie, OHB cannot be easily pigeon holed into a single category. Tears will be followed by laughter. Joy will be interlaced with pain. At different moments the labels legal, mystery, medical, war, military, police, and domestic drama could all equally apply. All encompassing, OHB could be best described as a family of man drama, which will show the best and worse of the human condition. The viewers will be able to easily relate to the characters as family members, friends or the person they see in the mirror. Unfortunately, there will be an endless supply of stories about those who currently serve as well as those who served in the past, whose truths were never told.

OHB’s contemporary and relevant storylines will sometimes spark controversy as old wounds are once again examined as a way to release the past and create a path for healing to begin.


To Learn more about Operation Home Base please visit www.theresachaze.com or email Tirgana at yahoo.com


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An Alternative To NCIS: Operation Home Base--The Newest Military Drama

Operation Home Base is a military drama about fictional non profit organization that gives support to military personnel and their families. Staffed with unique characters, each of which has their own reasons for wanting to help military personnel, OHB is designed to build a bridge between the civilian population and the military. OHB is a combination between NCIS and Army Wives with the potential for therapist drama as well. There is a wide range of potential stories that can be spun from this set-up, from domestic drama, hospital/therapist drama, legal drama, crime drama, adventure, even the occasional comedic episode.

Seeing the need, the organizers created Operation Home Base to help those in the military and their dependants to meet the basic needs of life. Existing on donations of time, money and resources, they frequently had to dip into their own savings to keep the lights on. Coming from diverse backgrounds, personalities, and motivations, they combine their talents to create a bridge between civilians and the military.

An Army brat, Lorelei Stewart grew up to married military. When her husband was killed in action, she learned how little support families received from those they served. His death left more than a financial and emotional void in their lives. There were questions about his death that the Army refused to answer. Determined to be part of the solution, instead of just ignoring the problem, Stewart goes back to school. Through her own hard work, sacrifice and stubbornness, Stewart earned Master degrees in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences. For a short time, she works for the FBI as a profiler. Through her job, she meets Michael Woodsman.

Michael Woodsman grew up in a Navy family. He always intended to follow the family tradition and enlist right out of high school. However, a childish prank in his teens led to the accident that left him permanently disabled. Unable to serve he went onto college to get a degree in Political Science. Using family connections, he worked his way up the political system. His hard edge and cynicism make him a dangerous opponent, who is willing to use his political capital both above board, while still being perfectly capable of blackmailing behind the scenes. He is a team player with an us or them mentality. For the us, he is a supportive and loyal advocate. The them quickly learn that crossing him was not a pleasant experience for his charm was a thin facade for the frustrated warrior within. While working for the Defense Department, he meets Lt. Colonel Elaine Reynolds. Although sexually attracted to her in the beginning, he respects her and her marriage too much to pursue the relationship.

Lt. Colonel Elaine Reynolds was a career officer, wife and mother, who found a way to balance her career and family needs with the help of her police detective husband. She joined the military to get an education. More office support than combat ready, Reynolds was still not above low blows both physically and verbally if the situation required action. Half accountant, half weasel, she learned how to work the system to get what she needed for her base by not only making every nickel count, but by also creatively using the resources at hand. It was through her dealings with the base Domestic Assistance co-coordinator that she met Martin Flying Crow.

A full-blooded Oneida, Martin Flying Crow used his brother’s birth certificate to enlist early to escape the abject poverty of the Rez to find the destiny his ancestors placed before him. Trained by his shaman grandmother, Flying Crow planned to walk the Red Road. The Eagle Spirit showed him that he was destined to be a healer and spiritual guide to others. What the Eagle didn’t reveal was that the road would begin covered with the blood of others. Enlisting in the Navy, he served two tours in Vietnam as combat medic embedded with a Marine unit. Although, he was not officially allowed to carry weapons, he did not hesitate to defend those in his unit by whatever means necessary. He encountered Colonel Walter Hummel and Sergeant Major Deek Williams during an investigation and eventual cover up of the unnecessary deaths of both Marines and civilians. The hypocrisy, lies and betrayal were enough to change Flying Crow’s mind about re-enlisting. Returning home, he worked as a paramedic. He quickly learned how little support there was for military personnel. Working out of his garage, he gathered information, contacts, and resources, which he used to improve the lives of those affected by war. He gained national attention when he was able to talk a wounded warrior out of committing suicide. It was this exposure, which made him national news and gave retiring Reynolds the inspiration for the next segment of her life. Enlisting Stewart and Woodsman and using Flying Crows template, the four of them created Operation Home Base.

Living hand to mouth, OHB was always on the verge of closing their doors. The need was great, while resources were limited. When Walter Hummel appeared with an offer of an endless supply of cash and political clout, it seemed to be too good to be true. Three members were eager to accept. Martin was the only hold out. He didn’t trust Hummel’s motives. He had already seen how Hummel’s open hand was the diversion for the hidden one holding the dagger. He knows the dangers, but he is willing to barter whatever is left of his soul to help those who serve and their families.

After the agreement is signed, the three other members begin to suspect that Martin’s suspicions are valid as they learn that Deacon (Deek) Williams has been chosen as Government Liaison/OHB Supervisor without their input. As the new head of OHB, he answers only to Walter and the Pentagon.

An ex-special ops, Deek was deployed in Vietnam in the summer o f 1966. Assigned to Recon Intelligence, he worked closely with the Montagnard and the Vietnamese Army. Five years later, he reemerged from his assignment and was immediately air lifted out. His military records were sealed except to those with the highest security clearance. Charming one minute, deadly the next, Williams is able to accomplish the seemingly impossible. A permanent bachelor, he has many love interests but no attachments. He sees the big picture when it comes to his career and the military, but he refuses to get caught up in the messiness of intra-personal relationships. The "companions" who warm his bed at night are never there to see the dawn. He is a man of mystery and many contradictions. Likeable, yet frequently frightening, he disappears without notice only to return without explanation.

Immediately, the team is called into service after a disgraced Marine has been found burned to death in there remnants of his parent’s home. They need to help Gunnery Sergeant Matt Thompson and his wife deal not only with the death of their only son, but the disgrace of their son being dishonorable discharged and accused of raping a friend‘s teenage daughter. OHB must help defend them from the charge of murder made by a deputy sheriff who has a grudge against the Gunny.


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Operation Home Base

OPERATION HOME BASE

Operation Home Base is a military drama about a fictional non profit organization that gives support to military personnel and their families. Staffed with unique characters, each of which has their own reasons for wanting to help military personnel, OHB is designed to build a bridge between the civilian population and the military. OHB is a combination between NCIS and Army Wives with the potential for a therapist drama as well. There is a wide range of potential stories that can be spun from this set-up, from domestic drama, hospital/therapist drama, legal drama, crime drama, adventure, even the occasional comedic episode. Though fictional, this is a story of real people, and the situations could have been ripped from the day’s headlines. OHB has a bit of everything; war and suspense, action and adventure, romance and betrayal. Fully formed characters who are flawed, but working for redemption; edge of the seat suspense as the action zips along at warp speed.

To read the treatment go to www.theresachaze.com

Suggested Cast:
Deacon (Deek) Williams: Tom Selleck
Martin Flying Crow: Graham Greene
Randi Cullen: Alyssa Milano
Michael Woodsman: Drake Hogeston
Lorelei Stewart: Gloria Loring
Elaine Reynolds: Deidre Hall
Walter Hummel: Alan Alda



Operation Home Base Pilot Episode:
Acting as a representative for the branches of the military and the federal government, Walter Hummel approaches the founders of Operation Home Base with an offer of economic and logistic support as well as political influence. Although Martin Flying Crow doesn’t trust Hummel, he is unwilling to deprive the armed service personnel and their families of the badly needed support. However, once the paperwork has been signed, the committee realizes that they may have gotten more than they bargained for. Immediately they are called to service. Dishonorably discharged and accused of raping a local teenager, ex marine, Ken Thompson, is found dead in his parents home. The deputy sheriff in charge suspects the Gunnery Sergeant and his wife are responsible for the murder of their son The OHB’s new legal adviser and the government advocate with the help of the NCIS team not only exposes the ulterior motives of the deputy, but also truth behind the death of the much hated man


To read the pilot episode script please email me at Tirgana@yahoo.com

Seeking Investors

I am looking for investors for my military series Operation Home Base. OHB intertwines the challenges military personnel face with those of their families. This is not an Army Wives or reality show, but an accurate portrayal of military life. The show intertwines drama and suspense with comedy to tell the stories of active duty, vets, and wounded warriors along with those who love them. It is designed to build a bridge between the civilian population and the military.

Operation Home Base is fictional non profit organization that gives support to military families, veterans, wounded warriors, and active duty military personnel by working with existing programs and organizations. OHB works in partnership with the bases’ Dependent Centers to give aid and comfort to military personal and their families while acting as intermediary not only with other military agencies but with the civilian services. Staffed with active duty and retired military personnel along with civilians, OHB was created by the combined branches of the services to take care of their own. It is pilot program, which is designed to build a bridge between the civilian population and the military. Their single goal is to fill the voids left by governmental agencies who are unable provide the necessary services and support for all branches of the military.

It will be shot in Michigan, which will qualify it for the 40-42% incentives offered by the state. Those who are interested may call me at 231-943-3298.