For Immediate Release: Feb. 23, 2012
Contacts: Daphne Larkin, 802-485-2886, 595-3613(m)
Scott Manning, 212-614-7892, 603-491-0995(m)
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NEWS RELEASE
NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University officials announced that Michael "Zak" Franzak is the 2012 William E. Colby Award winner for his book A Nightmare's Prayer (Threshold Editions, 2010), the first Afghanistan memoir ever to be published by a Marine Harrier pilot.
Named for the late Ambassador and former CIA Director William E. Colby, the Colby Award recognizes a first work of fiction or non-fiction that has made a significant contribution to the public’s understanding of intelligence operations, military history or international affairs.
“Michael Franzak’s A Nightmare’s Prayer was chosen for the Colby Award because it is the most compelling and vivid book yet written about aerial warfare in Afghanistan,” said author W.E.B. Griffin, a member of the Colby selection committee. “The author’s superbly written account of how a Marine airman answered the call to duty would make the late Bill Colby proud of the high quality of the recognition given annually in his name.”
A $5,000 author honorarium is provided through a grant from Chicago-based Tawani Foundation. The award and honorarium will be presented at Norwich University by Carlo D’Este during the 2012 Colby Military Writers’ Symposium at the Meet the Authors Dinner on April 12, 2012.
Franzak is a recently retired lieutenant colonel who served as an AV-8B Marine Corps Harrier pilot in Afghanistan. He lives in Raleigh, NC with his wife, son and daughter. Franzak received the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions in Afghanistan.
A Nightmare’s Prayer portrays the realities of war in the twenty-first century, taking a unique and powerful perspective on combat in Afghanistan as told by Franzak, a former enlisted man turned officer.
Franzak was an AV-8B Marine Corps Harrier pilot who served as executive officer of VMA-513, "The Flying Nightmares," while deployed in Afghanistan from 2002 to 2003. The squadron was the first to base Harriers at Bagram Air Base in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Franzak compellingly depicts the air war in Afghanistan as seen from the cockpit of a combat aircraft. It is also the story of how a dedicated aviator and his colleagues coped with a forgotten war half a world away from home.
The William E. Colby Award was originated at Norwich University in 1999. Ambassador Colby authored two important books, Lost Victory: A Firsthand Account of America’s Involvement in Vietnam and Honorable Men - My Life in the CIA. He was a decorated World War II veteran who served with the OSS in World War II and later with the CIA. From 1951–1962, Colby served with the American Embassies in Stockholm, Rome, and Saigon. He was Ambassador and Deputy to the Commander of the U.S. Military Assistance Command Vietnam from 1968 to 1971. Colby served as Director of the CIA from 1973-76. In honor of his commitment to Norwich University and the symposium, the program was named The William E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium in 1997. The 2012 Symposium will take place April 11-12.
Previous recipients of the Colby Award include James Bradley, Nathanial Fick, Colonel Jack Jacobs (Ret.), Dexter Filkins, Marcus Lutrell, John Glusman and Karl Marlantes.
Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). www.norwich.edu
ABOUT TAWANI FOUNDATION
Founded by COL (IL) J. N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), Tawani Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) grant-making organization whose mission is: to enhance the awareness and understanding of the importance of the Citizen Soldier; to preserve unique sites of significance to American and military history; to foster health and wellness projects for improved quality of life; and to honor the service of military personnel, past, present and future, through an awards program that includes the JROTC/ROTC Award for Military Excellence, the William E. Colby Award and the Pritzker Military Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing.
Showing posts with label Afghanistan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Afghanistan. Show all posts
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Norwich to honor alumni and family in memorial service
For Immediate Release
Sept. 28, 2011
Contact: Daphne Larkin
802-485-2886 or 595-3613(m)
dlarkin@norwich.edu
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or on Twitter @NorwichNews
NEWS RELEASE
NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University brings together alumni, family and friends in honor of 27 members of the Norwich community whose names will be added to the Harmon Memorial Wall in a special service during Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. in White Chapel.
Among the 27 names will be decorated Navy SEAL Brian Bill, NU’01, who died on Aug. 6, 2011, in the largest casualty event of the Afghanistan War. His name will join that of his classmate, Mark Dooley, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2005. Their class will be celebrating its 10th Homecoming reunion.
The 30-minute service will include a reading of the names with a brief biography of each person and will conclude with Echo Taps.
The Ernest Harmon Memorial Wall, named for former Norwich President General Ernest Harmon (1950-1965), is part of the park around the statue of Gen. Harmon. The wall is a standing reminder of individuals who have served Norwich University.
Inclusion on the wall is not exclusive to those killed in action.
Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). www.norwich.edu
Sept. 28, 2011
Contact: Daphne Larkin
802-485-2886 or 595-3613(m)
dlarkin@norwich.edu
Follow our news releases
or on Twitter @NorwichNews
NEWS RELEASE
NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University brings together alumni, family and friends in honor of 27 members of the Norwich community whose names will be added to the Harmon Memorial Wall in a special service during Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. in White Chapel.
Among the 27 names will be decorated Navy SEAL Brian Bill, NU’01, who died on Aug. 6, 2011, in the largest casualty event of the Afghanistan War. His name will join that of his classmate, Mark Dooley, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2005. Their class will be celebrating its 10th Homecoming reunion.
The 30-minute service will include a reading of the names with a brief biography of each person and will conclude with Echo Taps.
The Ernest Harmon Memorial Wall, named for former Norwich President General Ernest Harmon (1950-1965), is part of the park around the statue of Gen. Harmon. The wall is a standing reminder of individuals who have served Norwich University.
Inclusion on the wall is not exclusive to those killed in action.
Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). www.norwich.edu
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Student documentary film wins national prize
For Immediate Release
May 10, 2011
Contact: Daphne Larkin
802-485-2886 or 595-3613(m)
dlarkin@norwich.edu
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or on Twitter @NorwichNews
NEWS RELEASE
NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University’s student-produced documentary film, "The War at Home," has taken National First Place in the Society of Professional Journalists' 2010 "Mark of Excellence Awards in the category of Television In-Depth Reporting."
Norwich was awarded First Place in Region 1 on April 9 at Brown University and then went on to compete against the other 11 Regional Winners.
The awards will be presented on September 25 at the Society of Professional Journalists' 2011 National Convention in New Orleans.
“The War at Home” explores issues veterans face upon returning home in interviews with veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of those interviewed on camera are Norwich student veterans, which gives viewers the opportunity to witness what would otherwise be a private conversation.
Produced at the nation’s oldest private military college, many of the student producers went on to take commissions in the US military. One of the Senior Producers, Amanda Plachek, is currently serving in Afghanistan.
The goal of the documentary is to educate those deploying, their families and the general public about the realities of war and the effect it can have on those who serve.
“Family members, students and classmates say it is such a powerful video because getting exposed to these stories gives viewers a view of the military you don’t usually see,” said Brittney Schlauch, a Senior Producer.
Two current seniors, Jordan Lewis and Matt Hernandez, used the film as a catalyst for conversations with their parents in considering signing an Army contract. They are both graduating and commissioning in ceremonies at Norwich this weekend.
“‘The War at Home’ was a valuable experience for those on both sides of the camera,” said William Estill, communications professor. For some veterans, the on-camera interview was the first time they talked openly of certain wartime events.
“The national award comes at a time when The War on Terror reaches a milestone with the death of bin Laden, and the student veterans and producers are graduating and commissioning,” Estill said.
"The War at Home" can be viewed in full at: http://vimeo.com/22407469
Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). www.norwich.edu
May 10, 2011
Contact: Daphne Larkin
802-485-2886 or 595-3613(m)
dlarkin@norwich.edu
Follow our news releases
or on Twitter @NorwichNews
NEWS RELEASE
NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University’s student-produced documentary film, "The War at Home," has taken National First Place in the Society of Professional Journalists' 2010 "Mark of Excellence Awards in the category of Television In-Depth Reporting."
Norwich was awarded First Place in Region 1 on April 9 at Brown University and then went on to compete against the other 11 Regional Winners.
The awards will be presented on September 25 at the Society of Professional Journalists' 2011 National Convention in New Orleans.
“The War at Home” explores issues veterans face upon returning home in interviews with veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of those interviewed on camera are Norwich student veterans, which gives viewers the opportunity to witness what would otherwise be a private conversation.
Produced at the nation’s oldest private military college, many of the student producers went on to take commissions in the US military. One of the Senior Producers, Amanda Plachek, is currently serving in Afghanistan.
The goal of the documentary is to educate those deploying, their families and the general public about the realities of war and the effect it can have on those who serve.
“Family members, students and classmates say it is such a powerful video because getting exposed to these stories gives viewers a view of the military you don’t usually see,” said Brittney Schlauch, a Senior Producer.
Two current seniors, Jordan Lewis and Matt Hernandez, used the film as a catalyst for conversations with their parents in considering signing an Army contract. They are both graduating and commissioning in ceremonies at Norwich this weekend.
“‘The War at Home’ was a valuable experience for those on both sides of the camera,” said William Estill, communications professor. For some veterans, the on-camera interview was the first time they talked openly of certain wartime events.
“The national award comes at a time when The War on Terror reaches a milestone with the death of bin Laden, and the student veterans and producers are graduating and commissioning,” Estill said.
"The War at Home" can be viewed in full at: http://vimeo.com/22407469
Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). www.norwich.edu
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Norwich to hold 16th annual military writers’ symposium
For Immediate Release
March 15, 2011
Contact: Daphne Larkin
dlarkin@norwich.edu
802-485-2886 or 595-3613(m)
Follow our news releases
or on Twitter @NorwichNews
NEWS RELEASE
NORTHFIELD, Vt. (March 15, 2011) – Norwich University will hold its 16th annual Colby Military Writers’ Symposium March 30-April 1with five authors engaged in presentations and a panel discussion titled: “An Uncertain Future in Afghanistan: Assessing the Conflict Ten Years On.”
“As the United States prepares for its tenth year of military involvement in Afghanistan, questions remain as to what the future holds, what victory means, and the ever present concern over how it will end. Writers will discuss the American mission in Afghanistan, its impact on the international community, and what it means for American servicemen and women.”
The panel discussion will be held on Thursday, March 31 from 1-3 p.m. in Plumley Armory with authors Chris Coppola, Donna McAleer, Doug Stanton, Karl Marlantes (this year’s winner of the Colby award), and Jack Segal and moderated by best-selling author James Hornfischer.
A full schedule of events and author biographies can be accessed here.
Founded in 1996 by Carlo D´Este, W.E.B Griffin, and Ambassador William E. Colby, and renamed in the latter’s memory in 1997, the Colby Symposium has brought more than 50 top authors, historians, and filmmakers to Norwich University in Northfield, Vt., for a two-day residency to participate in open forums, lectures and other related functions.
Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). www.norwich.edu
March 15, 2011
Contact: Daphne Larkin
dlarkin@norwich.edu
802-485-2886 or 595-3613(m)
Follow our news releases
or on Twitter @NorwichNews
NEWS RELEASE
NORTHFIELD, Vt. (March 15, 2011) – Norwich University will hold its 16th annual Colby Military Writers’ Symposium March 30-April 1with five authors engaged in presentations and a panel discussion titled: “An Uncertain Future in Afghanistan: Assessing the Conflict Ten Years On.”
“As the United States prepares for its tenth year of military involvement in Afghanistan, questions remain as to what the future holds, what victory means, and the ever present concern over how it will end. Writers will discuss the American mission in Afghanistan, its impact on the international community, and what it means for American servicemen and women.”
The panel discussion will be held on Thursday, March 31 from 1-3 p.m. in Plumley Armory with authors Chris Coppola, Donna McAleer, Doug Stanton, Karl Marlantes (this year’s winner of the Colby award), and Jack Segal and moderated by best-selling author James Hornfischer.
A full schedule of events and author biographies can be accessed here.
Founded in 1996 by Carlo D´Este, W.E.B Griffin, and Ambassador William E. Colby, and renamed in the latter’s memory in 1997, the Colby Symposium has brought more than 50 top authors, historians, and filmmakers to Norwich University in Northfield, Vt., for a two-day residency to participate in open forums, lectures and other related functions.
Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). www.norwich.edu
Monday, February 21, 2011
Norwich hosts filmmaker for screening and discussion of documentary film on the conflict in Afghanistan
For Immediate Release
Feb. 21, 2011
Contact: Daphne Larkin
802-485-2886 or 595-3613(m)
dlarkin@norwich.edu
Follow our news releases
or on Twitter @NorwichNews
NEWS RELEASE
NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University’s Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Office of Veterans’ Affairs will host filmmaker Carol Dysinger at a screening and discussion of her documentary film, “Camp Victory, Afghanistan,” on Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. in Dole Auditorium, located in Webb Hall.
The film, which runs approximately 84 minutes and “gets at the stark reality of the US/NATO ‘exit strategy’ from Afghanistan,” was shot over the course of five years and follows a battle-hardened Afghan General and the steady stream of US National Guard soldiers, including those of the Vermont National Guard, deployed to train him and his army.
Dysinger is a Professor of Graduate Film and New Media at NYU Film School in the Tisch School of the Arts.
This event is free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact Associate Professor of English Lea Williams at 802-485-2601or lwilliam@norwich.edu.
Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). www.norwich.edu
Feb. 21, 2011
Contact: Daphne Larkin
802-485-2886 or 595-3613(m)
dlarkin@norwich.edu
Follow our news releases
or on Twitter @NorwichNews
NEWS RELEASE
NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Norwich University’s Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Office of Veterans’ Affairs will host filmmaker Carol Dysinger at a screening and discussion of her documentary film, “Camp Victory, Afghanistan,” on Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. in Dole Auditorium, located in Webb Hall.
The film, which runs approximately 84 minutes and “gets at the stark reality of the US/NATO ‘exit strategy’ from Afghanistan,” was shot over the course of five years and follows a battle-hardened Afghan General and the steady stream of US National Guard soldiers, including those of the Vermont National Guard, deployed to train him and his army.
Dysinger is a Professor of Graduate Film and New Media at NYU Film School in the Tisch School of the Arts.
This event is free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact Associate Professor of English Lea Williams at 802-485-2601or lwilliam@norwich.edu.
Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in Baccalaureate and Graduate Degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army. Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the United States of America and the birthplace of our nation's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). www.norwich.edu
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