Teen Capturing WWII Vet's Stories

My name is Ellie Rutan and I am 17 years old.   It is my passion to honor our WWII veterans through documenting their stories for the next generation.


I read about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Battle of Iwo Jima in 2012-13.   After learning about the incredible sacrifices that the men and women of WWII so humbly made, I felt indebted to them and wanted to somehow say "thank you."

Pfc. Bill Faulkner.  A true Marine, Hero, and Friend -Semper Fi Sir.

I started the Legacy Of Our Fathers Project at age 13. The purpose of this project is to document on DVD the experiences, legacy, and insights of WWII veterans for the current and future generation.   It is my firm belief that in order for us to be willing to protect and defend our freedom, we must first value it.  In order to value it, we must appreciate and understand the price that has been paid in it's defense.  

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Over the last 5 years, I have interviewed over 60 WWII veterans, brought USS Indianapolis Survivor Edgar Harrell to the Chicago area to speak with over 450 people, went as a guardian on an Honor Flight, helped at an Honor Flight fundraiser, presented to groups, interviewed WWII Iwo Jima Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel Woody Williams, been the guest speaker at a local VFW for Veterans Day 2015 and Memorial Day 2016, and was made an Associate Marine Raider.  In September 2017, the Home School Foundation gave made me one of the 3 Servant Leadership Award winners.  


Honor Flight - Washington D.C.  - serving as guardian

This campaign is to support the ongoing work of the project and future release of the documentary.

I am finished for the most part recording the interviews, and am now working through the film editing and production process.

In order to keep this project running and have the computer equipment to edit the interviews,  learn the needed film editing skills, and produce the documentary, I need financial support.   I have not and will not make any money off this project.

 All funds received will be put toward the production of the future documentary and other costs/projects associated with the Legacy Of Our Fathers Project.   Funds will most assuredly be put to wise and excellent use.  Please "like" the Legacy Of Our Fathers Project on our Facebook page - 

https://www.facebook.com/LegacyOfOurFathersProject

http://abc7chicago.com/news/suburban-teen-helps-wwii-veterans-tell-their-stories/1079984/

WWII Combat Medic Veteran William Howland Interview Clips

2016 Memorial Day Speech by Ellie Rutan

WWII Marine Paratrooper PFC William (Bill) Faulkner Memorial Tribute

WWII Marine Raider Cpl Dick Vana Memorial Tribute and Story

2014 USS Indianapolis Survivor Edgar Harrell Speaking Event

Home School Foundation Servant Leadership Award

Video for the Servant Leadership Award Presentation