Check made out to Media Arts Center San Diego
Address to send check: 1100 Market Street, Suite 326, San Diego, CA 92101

&ldquo;The Grit &amp; the Glory: The Tejano Men of Company E&rdquo; is the true story of the grittiest all Mexican American World War II combat unit that battled one of the greatest evils of all time&mdash;Hitler and his Nazi army. A David &amp; Goliath story at its core, the Company faced impossible odds, fighting a ferocious Nazi army armed with superior firepower. Told largely through unseen interviews with the last surviving members of Company E, filmed by documentarian Alfred Lugo, we witness firsthand the heart-wrenching story of these World War II heroes and the tragic massacre at the Rapido River during the Italian campaign. Through their own words, we hear accounts of their extraordinary feats, such as the grueling training they endured. Their skill and discipline set them apart: they outperformed the other companies, won rifle championships, and were handpicked for elite Ranger training. Yet despite their unmatched marksmanship, decorated service, and the unbreakable brotherhood they had forged since childhood, Mexican Americans continued to face racism. They recall the day they went into town in full uniform, championship medals polished and gleaming, yet the owner of a local diner refused to serve them. A Company E soldier grabbed the racist owner by the shirt and said, &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t have to respect me, but respect the uniform!&rdquo; Caught between two fronts&mdash;one of fascist hate abroad, and another of prejudice at home&mdash; these soldiers summoned extraordinary courage, not only to defeat the enemy, but to prove their worth in a country that continued to deny their place in it. Historians, authors, filmmakers, and family members corroborate their stories and fill in the missing pieces, enriching the narrative with vivid detail. The survivors captivate us with tales of the Battle of Salerno, the Battle of San Pietro, and finally the Battle of Monte Cassino, where the tragic crossing at the Rapido River nearly wiped them out. But the question remains: why, after 80 years, do their story and the stories of so many Mexican American heroes remain hidden&mdash;and worse yet, erased from history? This documentary will confront that American travesty and stand as a living testament to the great sacrifices theseheroic men made for America on the altar of freedom. Info/questions: Eduardo Arguelles <a data-fr-linked="true" fr-original-style="" href="mailto:tejanocompanye@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">tejanocompanye@gmail.com</a>

Hello <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="" style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; color: rgb(42, 42, 196); padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;">First name, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting this film. This donation greatly helps Media Arts Center San Diego&#39;s mission to support independent filmmakers and tell under-heard stories. In addition to your donation, sharing this campaign with friends, family, and film enthusiasts helps more than you know. Sincerely,&nbsp; Eduardo L. ArguellesDirector - Tochtli Films(323) 445-4901 Carmi Casas, Media Arts CEnter San Diego operations@mediaartscenter.org 1619-230-1938

Hello First name,
 
 Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for registering to fundraise for our cause. Your efforts will make a significant impact, and we are excited to have you as part of our fundraising team. 👏
 
 💡 Here are some tips for sharing your campaign:
 <ol>
 <li>Personalize Your Story: Share why this cause is important to you. Personal stories resonate more with potential donors.</li>
 <li>Use Social Media: Post about your campaign on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Include the campaign link and a compelling image or video.</li>
 <li>Email Your Network: Send a personal email to friends, family, and colleagues explaining why you are fundraising and how they can help.</li>
 <li>Regular Updates: Keep your supporters informed with updates on your progress and any milestones you reach. This keeps them engaged and more likely to share your campaign.</li>
 </ol>
 Carmi Casas operations@mediaartscenter.org 18582209017

“The Grit &amp; the Glory: The Tejano Men of Company E” is the true story of the grittiest all Mexican American World War II combat unit that battled one of the greatest evils of all time—Hitler and his Nazi army. A David &amp; Goliath story at its core, the Company faced impossible odds, fighting a ferocious Nazi army armed with superior firepower. Told largely through unseen interviews with the last surviving members of Company E, filmed by documentarian Alfred Lugo, we witness firsthand the heart-wrenching story of these World War II heroes and the tragic massacre at the Rapido River during the Italian campaign. Through their own words, we hear accounts of their extraordinary feats, such as the grueling training they endured. Their skill and discipline set them apart: they outperformed the other companies, won rifle championships, and were handpicked for elite Ranger training. Yet despite their unmatched marksmanship, decorated service, and the unbreakable brotherhood they had forged since childhood, Mexican Americans continued to face racism. They recall the day they went into town in full uniform, championship medals polished and gleaming, yet the owner of a local diner refused to serve them. A Company E soldier grabbed the racist owner by the shirt and said, “You don’t have to respect me, but respect the uniform!” Caught between two fronts—one of fascist hate abroad, and another of prejudice at home— these soldiers summoned extraordinary courage, not only to defeat the enemy, but to prove their worth in a country that continued to deny their place in it. Historians, authors, filmmakers, and family members corroborate their stories and fill in the missing pieces, enriching the narrative with vivid detail. The survivors captivate us with tales of the Battle of Salerno, the Battle of San Pietro, and finally the Battle of Monte Cassino, where the tragic crossing at the Rapido River nearly wiped them out. But the question remains: why, after 80 years, do their story and the stories of so many Mexican American heroes remain hidden—and worse yet, erased from history? This documentary will confront that American travesty and stand as a living testament to the great sacrifices theseheroic men made for America on the altar of freedom. Info/questions: Eduardo Arguelles <a href="mailto:tejanocompanye@gmail.com" target="_blank">tejanocompanye@gmail.com</a>

THE GRIT & THE GLORY: The Tejano Men of Company E

IsFundraiserFormEditDisabled

IsPaymentByPadAllowed

Media Arts Center San Diego

### Context Profile for Media Arts Center San Diego

1. **Organization Mission & Cause**:
   - **Mission**: The Media Arts Center San Diego (MACSD) is dedicated to promoting and supporting media arts, particularly focusing on Latino filmmakers and artists. Their mission emphasizes the importance of representation and storytelling in media, aiming to uplift underrepresented voices and foster community engagement through the arts.
   - **Cause**: MACSD seeks to empower individuals through media arts education, production, and exhibition, creating a platform for diverse narratives that reflect the cultural richness of the Latino community.

2. **Type of Activities**:
   - **Events**: The organization hosts various events, including film festivals (e.g., San Diego Latino Film Festival), workshops, and community screenings.
   - **Fundraising Campaigns**: Recent campaigns include funding for feature films like "FUEGO," which highlights Latino stories and cultural identity.
   - **Community Programs**: They offer educational programs and resources for aspiring filmmakers and artists, fostering skills in media production and storytelling.

3. **Tone of Voice**:
   - The tone of the website and communications is **friendly, inspiring, and inclusive**. The language is accessible and engaging, aiming to connect with a broad audience while highlighting the significance of cultural narratives. The use of personal stories and emotional appeals adds a heartfelt touch.

4. **Emoji Usage**:
   - The website and email communications do not prominently feature emojis. The language is straightforward and professional, focusing on clarity and emotional resonance rather than informal elements like emojis.

5. **Key Facts**:
   - **Founding Info**: Established in 1999, MACSD has been a cornerstone for media arts in San Diego, particularly for the Latino community.
   - **Scale**: The organization has a significant local impact, hosting events that attract thousands of attendees annually.
   - **Impact Metrics**: They have supported numerous films and filmmakers, contributing to the visibility of Latino stories in media.
   - **Volunteer Info**: Opportunities for volunteering are available, encouraging community involvement in events and programs.

6. **Writing Guidelines**:
   - **Style**: Use a conversational yet professional tone. Aim for clarity and emotional engagement, reflecting the organization’s mission to uplift and inspire.
   - **Content Focus**: Highlight stories of individuals and communities, emphasizing cultural identity and representation. Use personal anecdotes and testimonials where possible.
   - **Call to Action**: Encourage community participation, whether through donations, event attendance, or volunteer opportunities. Make the impact of contributions clear and relatable.

This context profile serves as a foundational guide for creating personalized and effective content for the Media Arts Center San Diego, ensuring alignment with their mission and values.

Would you like to attend premiere when this film is completed?

Would you like to volunteer and help with production and/or other aspects of this film?

Media Arts Center San Diego

THE GRIT & THE GLORY: The Tejano Men of Company E

Choose an amount:

$

You'll receive a tax receipt for making a donation.