Production & Fundraising Photos
Jan. 19, 1999 - The production of our fundraising demo with an interview of Borinqueneer Ramon Velez, directed by Frank Borres and produced by El Pozo Productions.
Ramon Velez served in Co. L and became a prominent community leader in the Bronx, NY. He passed away in 2008.
The second veteran interviewed for the demo was Wendell Vega of Co. E.
Oct. 3, 1999 - Our first fundraising benefit took place at Pageant Restaurant, New York City which included a screening of the demo.
Our mistress of ceremonies, Olga Merediz (left) raffles various items including this painting. More than 100 people attended.
My first meeting with two long-time Borinqueneer supporters of the film , Tony de la Rosa Melendez of Headquarters Co. 1st Battalion (left) and Eugenio Quevedo of Co. F. Tony passed away in 2004.
The Benefit Committee Members: from left to right, back row LTC Carlos L. Rivera, Porfidio Torres, Robert Maldonado; middle row: Olga Merediz, Marilyn Rivera, Roberto Ortiz; first row: Noemi Figueroa, Ray Figueroa, John Colon. Missing in photo is Sonia Martinez.
Nov. 1999 - Exhibition at the Puerto Rico Book Fair sponsored by the organizers Jose Carvajal (left) and Rodd Rodriguez (right) in San Juan, PR.
Borinqueneer Federico Simmons of the Heavy Mortar Co. and member of the 65th Inf. Assoc. helped man the exhibition booth
Dec. 3, 1999 - Fundraiser hosted by Maj. Sam Delgado (Ret., USMC) and Vice Pres. of Verizon (center), Betty Delgado and Dr. Eric Muñoz.
Sam Delgado, host of the fundraiser, poses with Borinqueneer veterans (left to right) Eugenio Quevedo, Guillermo Alamo and Tony de la Rosa Melendez.
Left to right: Hosts Sam and Betty Delgado , Producers Noemi Figueroa and Fred Noriega, who was the invited speaker.
January 16, 2000 - An Arkansas local production crew setting up an interview shoot with cameraman Dennis Ward (right) and a lighting/sound technician.
Interview of LTC Willis Cronkhite (Ret.) of Little Rock, Arkansas who served as Co. F Commander.
LTC Willis Cronkhite (Ret.) poses with an archival photo of himself and his medals.
January 19, 2000 - The Westchester Arts Council gave a $2,500 artist grant to Noemi, presented by Richard Schwartz, Chairman of the NY State Council on the Arts.
March, 2000 - Latino Public Broadcasting awards El Pozo Productions a $25,000 Research and Development Grant.
April 9, 2000 - Lydia Serrano, a intern from Pace University, helps prepare for a more intensive interview production shoot to Puerto Rico and Florida.
April 10, 2000 - A demo screening and fundraising opportunity provided by the San Juan Rotary Club of San Juan, PR with host Herb Brown, Esq (left) and Gary Clark.
April 11, 2000 - El Pozo Productions traveled to Puerto Rico with a crew for 4 days to tape 16 veteran interviews throughout the island. Our first stop was the 65th Infantry Assoc. clubhouse.