Producers

Joe Mantegna is an award-winning actor, director, and producer whose career spans film, television, and theater. He won the Tony and Joseph Jefferson Awards for Glengarry Glen Ross and is known for roles in House of Games, Searching for Bobby Fisher, Godfather III, and his long-running performance as David Rossi on Criminal Minds. Joe has earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, voiced “Fat Tony” on The Simpsons for over two decades, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His directing work includes the national tour of I’m Not A Comedian… I’m Lenny Bruce. Joe resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Arlene, and their daughters, Mia and Gia.

Lisa Regina is a filmmaker, actress, and Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot with over 35 years of experience in the entertainment industry. She studied film, screenwriting, and educational theatre at New York University and has taught at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Lisa founded the nonprofit A Write to Heal in 2006 and has dedicated her career to advocacy, trauma awareness, and veteran support through storytelling. Her award-winning films and veteran-centered productions have been featured at major festivals, and she continues to document real military stories that inspire her dramatic series, Heroic Episodes.

Ronnie Marmo is an acclaimed actor, writer, and director best known for his ongoing national tour of I’m Not A Comedian… I’m Lenny Bruce, directed by Joe Mantegna. He has appeared in more than 80 film and television projects, including Criminal Minds, FBI: Most Wanted, Ghosts, General Hospital, and the award-winning Italian musical Love and Bullets. Ronnie has starred in over 40 stage productions, voiced Lenny Bruce’s autobiography, and serves as Artistic Director of Theatre 68 in Los Angeles and New York City.

Janelle is an actress, comedian, and producer with credits across CBS, ABC, and NBC. Beginning her career in entertainment at age 12, she has performed improv, sketch comedy, and stand-up nationwide. Recent work includes commercials for Albertsons, Xbox, and Universal Studios, the lead role in the pilot Un$uited, and co-producing and starring in the festival-circuit film Tonight Is Your Night. She has been a proud member of Theatre 68 since 2019.

Till Neumann is an award-winning cinematographer and director from Munich, Germany. His work spans more than thirty short films, numerous commercials, music videos, and feature films. Praised by Roger Ebert for his “elegant cinematography,” Till has earned multiple Best Cinematography awards, including honors at Vision Film Festival and CineVegas. His short films have won top prizes at Newport and Rhode Island International Film Festivals. Based in New York, Till continues to create visually driven, character-centered storytelling.

Michael is a film and television actor known for roles in Quantico, MacGyver, Billions, Law & Order, and his fan-favorite “Marco Polo” GEICO commercial. He recently starred in the holiday film Santa Bootcamp alongside Rita Moreno. A long-time collaborator with Lisa Regina, Michael frequently contributes to Heroic Episodes and introduced his close friend, Vietnam veteran Peter Pizzuti Sr., whose story is now part of the project.

Retired Army Captain Leslie Nicole Smith served in the Nuclear Biological Chemical Corps and as a Public Affairs Officer after earning her commission through Georgetown University’s ROTC program. While deployed to Bosnia in 2001, she developed a severe blood infection linked to toxin exposure, ultimately losing her left leg and becoming legally blind. Determined and optimistic, Leslie went on to work for the USO and the Department of the Navy, became an Ambassador for the Gary Sinise Foundation, and appeared on Project Runway All Stars and Days of Our Lives to raise awareness for veterans. She has shared her story nationally—from the White House to West Point—and was featured in Oliver North’s American Heroes series. Leslie is always accompanied by her service dog, Isaac, who supports her in her daily life and advocacy work.

Frank Sean Johnson served as a Mental Health Specialist during Desert Storm, counseling service members battling depression and PTSD. Soon after returning home, he was shot twice in the back during a random encounter and told he would never walk again. Through faith and determination, he proved doctors wrong, later facing further adversity when an infection required the amputation of his right leg. Frank rebuilt his life as an actor, wheelchair athlete, and mentor with the Magee Sixers and Wounded Warrior Flag Football Team. He continues to serve his community as a peer mentor at the VA and as a motivational speaker for organizations including A Write to Heal, advocating for resilience and mental health.

Retired Marine Corps Colonel Jon D. Schleifer is a senior leader at the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center, where he manages research and development efforts shaping the future of national aviation. His division produces major federal reports—including the National Aviation Research Plan—and oversees key partnerships across government, industry, and academia. Jon previously served as Chief of Staff at the Technical Center, a Flight Inspection Services Pilot in Command with over 5,500 hours, and Officer in Charge of the Marine Corps Staff Training Program Division. He earned the Legion of Merit for his service. Jon holds a degree from Evangel University and advanced military and federal leadership training. He remains active in veterans’ organizations and community service in New Jersey, where he lives with his wife, Ana.

Eddie Molina is a U.S. Army veteran who served as an artillery officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2008–2009. With over 25 years of experience in both the military and law enforcement, Eddie brings a lifelong commitment to service to everything he does. Today, he channels that mission into entrepreneurship as the owner of BuyHeroStuff.com, an apparel company supporting heroes and their families.

After returning from deployment, Eddie began writing for publications focused on veterans and first responders, contributing to Law Enforcement Today, The Blue Magazine, Coffee or Die Magazine, and SOFREP. He remains deeply involved in the veteran community and is a strong advocate for mental-health support.

Dr. Arnell is the Executive Director of 22Zero, a national nonprofit focused on healing PTSD in veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors. With a background in counseling, youth services, psychology education, and suicide prevention, she has spent decades serving her community through mental health initiatives. After experiencing the effectiveness of 22Zero’s interventions in 2021, she joined the organization to lead research, data analysis, training, and strategic growth. Today, she oversees programs, coaches, fundraising, and outreach, working to bring proven trauma-healing methods to those who need them most.

Joseph Dames is a multidisciplinary systems engineer with MITRE Corporation, specializing in communications systems for combat operations. A former U.S. Army officer and Ranger School graduate, he served multiple deployments as a Stryker Platoon Leader and later as a Ranger Rifle Platoon Leader with the 75th Ranger Regiment. After transitioning from active duty, he worked as a counter-assault truck commander in Iraq and later deployed three times to Afghanistan with Augustine Consulting Inc., supporting Joint Special Operations Command. Joseph’s work has focused on improving battlefield survivability through advanced communications technologies. His awards include two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, and an Army Commendation Medal for Valor.

Eddie McGee is a film and television actor with credits including Law & Order, The Cleaner, Desperate Housewives, Guiding Light, and The Philanthropist. He recently produced and starred in the feature film The Human Race. After losing his left leg to bone cancer at age eleven, Eddie became a nationally recognized wheelchair basketball athlete, leading the Arkansas Junior Rolling Razorbacks to a national championship and earning MVP honors. He also competed with the Jr. USA Paralympic team, winning a silver medal. Eddie went on to play for top teams including the New York Rollin’ Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers wheelchair team, and a professional club in Hyères, France. Now based in Los Angeles, he continues to work as an actor while staying active in adaptive sports.

Denise is a longtime special education professional with degrees from West Chester University, Trenton State College, and Rowan University. She served as the Learning Disabilities Consultant for the Hammonton School District for over 25 years and continues to advocate for families and special needs students. For the past decade, she has also worked with the Youth Advocate Program. Alongside her education career, Denise has enjoyed a 30-year acting and commercial career with the Reinhard Agency, appearing in numerous campaigns and as a QVC model. She recently appeared in the indie film Dismissal Time. Denise also serves as board president of IDEA, promoting arts education for youth, and is active as a Camden liaison for Moms Demand Action.

Donna has spent 40 years serving students at Rancocas Valley Regional High School as a counselor, special education teacher, and coach. Her passion for honoring veterans is reflected in her leadership of the annual RV Devil Dash, raising more than $190,000 for the Pat Tillman Foundation, and in school programs such as Armed Services Recognition Week, Victory Lap for Veterans, and the Remembrance Walk. Her work has earned numerous honors, including the Colin L. Powell Memorial Service Award, Volunteer of the Year, and Humanitarian Award from Trenton State College. Donna is also a Hall of Fame inductee for both academics and athletics. As an Advisory Board member for A Write to Heal, she proudly continues her commitment to serving veterans and her community.

John is a financial advisor with over 27 years of experience and co-founder of Retirement Refined, LLC. A former NCAA Division III football standout, he is a two-time All-American and holds multiple college and NCAA records. After being drafted by the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars and receiving NFL camp invites, he transitioned into a successful career in finance, specializing in retirement planning and investment management. John is married to filmmaker and advocate Lisa Regina, and together they support veterans through A Write to Heal’s drone pilot program. Outside of his work, he enjoys fitness, sports, music, traveling, and time with family, including his grandchildren.

Robert Brzenchek is the CEO of All Source International Security and an Intelligence Adjunct at Neumann University. A former Navy Intelligence Specialist and Washington, D.C. police officer, he has supported national security efforts with DHS, DOD, international law enforcement, and major critical infrastructure organizations. His expertise includes threat assessments, emergency management, CBRNE, and security technology integration. Robert has served as a regional coordinator for the Army National Guard Office of Domestic Preparedness and as a subject matter expert for Honeywell Defense. He holds degrees from George Mason University and American Military University and is completing doctoral studies at Capella University. Widely published and frequently consulted, he serves on multiple national boards and advisory groups in homeland security and cybersecurity.