“Heroic Episodes” is a powerful dramatic series based on the true stories of U.S. veterans and their families — stories that are too often left untold. Rooted in two decades of interviews conducted by Lisa Regina with military men and women from every branch and every era of service, the series honors the raw truth, resilience, and humanity of those who have served.
These are not just tales of war, but of courage, compassion, and hope — stories that reveal the strength it takes not only to fight, but to come home, to heal, and to continue to serve your community and help others .
Lisa's mission is to bring these powerful narratives to life onscreen, giving voice to our heroes while creating real-world impact behind the scenes. By producing Heroic Episodes, she will simultaneously launch and sustain the Veterans Drone Training Program (VDTP), offering veterans hands-on training, meaningful employment, a renewed sense of camaraderie — and, most importantly, a path to healing through storytelling.
The drone pilot veterans will work on Heroic Episodes set — it’s a promise at the heart of the Veteran Drone Training Program (VDTP). This initiative does more than train veterans to become licensed commercial drone pilots in the film and aviation industries; it offers a path forward — one built on purpose, skill, and healing.
Unlike standard drone certification courses, VDTP reaches deeper. It recognizes that true transformation doesn’t just come from mastering flight controls — it comes from reclaiming one’s story. Through trauma-informed practices and our partnership with the 22 Zero Organization. https://22zero.org/
The program fosters post-traumatic growth by creating space for veterans to share their experiences, shape their narratives, and serve a greater mission.
Here, the tools are drones — but the outcomes are resilience, connection, and hope.
A Write to Heal -
a nonprofit 501 (C)(3) Introduces a new program for veterans:
The VDTP - Veterans Drone Training Program is a chance for veterans to heal from the traumas of war and assimilate back into civilian life through job opportunities & training in the aviation and the film industry.
Your tax deductible donation will help a veteran discover a better quality of life as they become a Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot and begin a new career path.
A chance for veterans to heal and assimilate back into civilian life. Training and job opportunities in the aviation and film industry
The Mission: to provide veterans with drone training, testing and licensing in order to become a Part 107 commercial drone pilot.
For more details: Lisa@awritetoheal.org
Job opportunities in a fast growing industry.
The Multi-Billion dollar business of drones is estimated to grow up to 60 billion by 2030.
A Write to Heal -
a nonprofit 501 (C)(3) Introduces a new program for veterans:
The VDTP - Veterans Drone Training Program is a chance for veterans to heal from the traumas of war and assimilate back into civilian life through job opportunities & training in the aviation and the film industry.
Your tax deductible donation will help a veteran discover a better quality of life as they become a Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot and begin a new career path.
"I've proudly cast many veterans in my film projects, not just as a way to honor their service, but to create real opportunities for growth and reintegration. During production, many of the military men and women were drawn to the drone technology we used on set — their curiosity quickly turned into a passion.
Several expressed a strong interest in earning their FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone License, recognizing the potential for meaningful careers in both aviation and film.
My mission is to support our heroes beyond the camera — by helping them train, prepare, and pass their Part 107 exam, and by guiding them toward fulfilling drone-related jobs. This is about more than certification — it’s about purpose, empowerment, and a new path forward."
— Lisa Regina
I wrote The Shades, a short film that gives voice to women who have survived sexual assault and violence. For many, it was the first time they had ever spoken their truth on camera — a bold, cathartic act of reclaiming their power.
In a show of solidarity, I brought military veterans onto the production as both cast and crew. Their presence was not symbolic — it was a stand of unity. Men and women who served our country stood shoulder to shoulder with survivors, affirming that silence and stigma have no place here.
To ensure the emotional well-being of everyone involved, we had advocates and trauma counselors on set throughout production. This wasn't just a film — it was a space for healing, courage, and collective strength.
U.S. Marine George Purkins, talks about being on Lisa Regina's film set, 'The Shades.'
American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial -Washington, D.C. Talking to Veterans about Heroic Episodes and getting their feedback.
Gratitude to military consultant
Vietnam Veteran, Pete Pizzuti. One of the true stories included in our series, Heroic Episodes.
A Write to Heal -
a nonprofit 501 (C)(3) Introduces a new program for veterans:
The VDTP - Veterans Drone Training Program is a chance for veterans to heal from the traumas of war and assimilate back into civilian life through job opportunities & training in the aviation and the film industry.
Your tax deductible donation will help a veteran discover a better quality of life as they become a Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot and begin a new career path.
Cell:
Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |
Veterans worked on set with the crew alongside award winning New York City cinematographer, Till Neumann.
It takes a cohesive team to make any film. The discipline and special skill set makes each team members role on a film set important. Veterans find comradery and a new mission on a film set.
Lisa Regina the creator of "Heroic Episodes" and the VFA-Veterans Film Apprenticeship and Cpt. Leslie Nicole Smith and her service dog Issac appeared on CBS TALK PHILLY.
Veterans go through an interview process with Heroic Episodes Producer & Military Consultants to match their skill sets with roles in the film production.
Thank you for your support. To become a sponsor, contact: Lisa@LisaRegina.com
Job opportunities for Veterans in the Aviation Industry. Lisa Regina- filmmaker, drone pilot