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Hello, I’m John Fenzel, CEO and Founder of Heroes’ Path Foundation — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to leadership, education, service, and remembrance for all generations.
Right now, we’re producing a groundbreaking film and stage musical about Ernie Pyle — the legendary World War II journalist who gave a voice to America’s Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.
The screenplay and songs are complete; all that remains is bringing the story to life on screen and, ultimately, to Broadway.
Pyle: The Musical — Keeping Ernie Pyle’s Story Alive
A groundbreaking AI-driven film and future Broadway musical honoring America’s most human war correspondent — Ernie Pyle.
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Who Was Ernie Pyle — and Why This Matters Now
Most people today don’t remember who Ernie Pyle was.
But every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and Marine he wrote about, and every family who waited for one, owed him a voice.
Pyle wasn’t a general or a politician. He was a small-town journalist who walked with America’s troops across every front of World War II — in North Africa, Italy, Normandy, and the Pacific.
He ate their rations, ducked their shells, and wrote about their hearts.
He flew with bomber crews, went to sea with destroyer sailors, and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Marines on the beaches of Okinawa.
He was killed in action on Ie Shima in 1945 — a reporter who gave his life so the world could understand the meaning of sacrifice.
️ Why This Story Matters
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, only around 66,000 World War II veterans are alive today — and we’re losing 130 of them every single day. Their voices are fading, one sunrise at a time.
Pyle: The Musical is much more than entertainment: it’s a living monument to The Greatest Generation before they all leave us.
Through music, film, and education, we are ensuring those stories are not lost when the last eyewitness is gone.
“Armed only with a typewriter, Ernie Pyle risked his life to give voice to those who served — until the burden of truth threatened to silence him forever.”
From Stage to Screen to Broadway
Pyle: The Musical is a sweeping, three-act story following Ernie Pyle’s journey from North Africa to Normandy to the Pacific — exploring courage, grief, and the redemptive power of truth.
Our long-term goal is to bring this story to Broadway, where it belongs: on a stage worthy of Pyle’s humanity and sacrifice.
But first, we are producing a feature-length AI-enhanced film — one that can reach global audiences, demonstrate the musical’s power, and preserve Pyle’s voice for generations to come.
- The full screenplay is complete.
- All 17 songs are written and orchestrated.
- The creative vision is ready.
- All that remains is bringing it to life on screen.
Teaching Through Story — The Educational Mission
This project is education in motion.
Every donor helps build a Heroes’ Path educational program that brings Ernie Pyle’s story into classrooms and leadership programs across America.
Your contribution helps us create:
• A Student Film Edition with curriculum guides aligned to U.S. history and civic literacy standards.
• A Teacher’s Resource Kit, connecting Pyle’s writing to journalism ethics and leadership under pressure.
• The Heroes’ Path Story Vault, capturing oral histories from veterans and civilians inspired by Pyle’s legacy.
Our goal is to make this more than a film — a movement of remembrance and education.
How Your Support Will Be Used
1More Shot – Three AI-visualized videos per song (17 songs × 3 videos) – $7,000
Veo 3 Rendering – AI-generated cinematic sequences & transitions – $2,000
ElevenLabs VO – Authentic narration for Pyle & WWII servicemembers – $1,000
Archival Rights – Licensing WWII footage & photographs – $10,000
Post-Production – Editing, color, audio mixing, mastering – $20,000
Performance Capture – Recording live vocals & orchestration – $30,000
Marketing & Outreach – Press, social media, educational distribution – $10,000
Total Goal: $80,000
This builds directly upon the $50,000 already invested, moving from creative development into full production.
❤️ How You Can Help
Every dollar brings us closer to Broadway — and helps teach the next generation about courage, character, and truth.
Momentum & Milestones
- Seed Investment: $50,000 already committed. ✅
- Production Goal: $80,000 crowdfunded
- Stretch Goal: $120,000 for expanded live performance recording
- Target Date: June 30, 2026 — production begins this summer
Organizer: Heroes’ Path Foundation (501(c)(3) Nonprofit)
Location: Annapolis, MD
Your contribution helps us preserve the legacy of the Greatest Generation — while inspiring future ones through education, history, and the arts.
Every gift makes a difference, and all donations are tax-deductible.
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Heroes Path
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