T.R.U.T.H. Initiative

Our Mission

The T.R.U.T.H. Initiative is a national campaign to preserve the erased legacies of marginalized U.S. military veterans—Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian American, women, and LGBTQ+ service members—through film, education, and public storytelling.

T.R.U.T.H. stands for: Teach erased histories, Restore legacies, Uncover systemic oppression, Triumph over historical amnesia, and Honor forgotten heroes.

Our mission is more than historical recovery—it's about narrative justice. By blending media, education, and community outreach, we shine a light on those whose stories have been left in the shadows. We invest in truth through storytelling, restore dignity through remembrance, and empower veteran creatives in the entertainment industry. To bring these stories to life, we collaborate with 727 Squared Entertainment, our official production partner.

Read Full About Us

Veterans in formation with film equipment

Spotlight: Barrage

Logline: It’s 1942 when a bright, but naive high school student drops out and volunteers for the Army only to find the Jim Crow life he desperately wants to escape so embedded in military culture his critical D-Day mission is jeopardized by the very soldiers he’s charged with protecting. It’s “MEN OF HONOR” Meets “RED TAILS.”

Barrage is the flagship project of the T.R.U.T.H. Initiative—an epic feature film based on the true story of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only all-Black combat unit to land on D-Day. Their story has remained buried for decades. Through this film, we aim to restore their place in history and ignite a larger conversation about the cost of erasure, the resilience of these young men, and the power of truth on screen.

All media projects produced through the T.R.U.T.H. Initiative, including Barrage, are developed in partnership with our production arm, 727 Squared Entertainment.

About the Founder

“This isn’t just history—it’s personal. I created the T.R.U.T.H. Initiative to honor the veterans whose stories we were never told.”

Michael Gordon Bennett is a seasoned entertainment professional and storyteller whose 30-year career spans acting, writing, producing, and directing. His work has aired on major networks including NBC, BET, and the Travel Channel, where he made history producing and directing the network’s first-ever live broadcast.

A U.S. military veteran and third-generation servicemember, Bennett’s latest project, Barrage, holds personal significance. Inspired by a distant relative who served in the historic 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion during WWII, his screenplay has earned international acclaim as an official selection at the Big Apple Film Festival, Los Angeles International Film Festival, and Austin Film Festival.

Bennett is a graduate of California State University, Northridge (BA, Journalism) and holds a Feature Film Writing Certificate from UCLA. He is also the author of two acclaimed books—one now being adapted for the screen—and has multiple screenplays in development. His creative portfolio includes podcast production, voice-over work, and journalism contributions to outlets such as The Huffington Post.

Through every project, Bennett is driven by a singular mission: to honor untold stories, protect creative capital, and champion diverse storytelling across genres—ensuring every voice and vision has a chance to be seen and heard.

Michael Gordon Bennett in military bootcamp

Get Involved

Be part of the movement to uncover, preserve, and amplify the forgotten legacies of America’s marginalized veterans. Whether you're a veteran, creative, partner, or supporter—your contribution makes a difference.

Veteran Creatives

Are you a veteran with a story to tell or a creative skill to share? Whether your story reflects your military experience or something entirely different, we’re here to help you bring it to life—as long as it comes from you.

Partner With Us

Schools, nonprofits, brands, and cultural orgs—we’re seeking mission-aligned partners to expand impact nationwide.

Amplify Our Mission

Help us spread awareness by sharing our work, following us on social media, and attending our events.

Employing Veterans

The T.R.U.T.H. Initiative is not only about telling veteran stories — it’s about creating real opportunities for veterans behind the camera, in the editing suite, and in every corner of production. We believe in hiring those who’ve served to help shape the stories that matter.

Creative Careers

From screenwriting to sound design, we train and employ veterans in film, TV, and digital storytelling roles.

Workforce Development

We partner with unions, studios, and educational programs to prepare veterans for long-term success in entertainment.

On-Set Training

Our productions serve as training grounds where veterans can build their skills and earn credits in real-world settings.

Reclaiming the Forgotten. Honoring the Brave.