Operation Home Base Red Cross Liaison: Debra Anne Lee

Being the youngest member of the OHB staff, Debra Anne Lee is more than capable of holding her own not only with the rest of the staff, but also military personnel from the lowest to the highest ranked. When her father’s friend, Deek, asked her to join OHB’s staff as the Red Cross Liaison, she jumped at the chance to move closer to her fiancée, Daniel Walker.

Growing up with seven older brothers most of whom join the military, Debra Anne learned early in life how to hold her own. A martial arts expert in her own right, she is proud of her family’s heritage that can be traced back to the civil war. Her mother used to say that Debra Anne walked where fools and angels fear to tread. More moxie and intelligence than common sense, she is willing to take on the situations and people that most people run away from. Using the immortality of youth as a shield as well as her passion and natural curiosity, she would con, charm, or connive her way to achieving her goals.

Although she grew up in a military family and would marry military, Debra Anne chose a civilian career as a Social Worker. Earning her Masters in Social Work with minors in psychology and grief therapy, her goal was to work with abused and neglected children. She quickly found that working within the state’s system her temperament was more of a liability than an asset. Her straight forward, shoot from the hip nature quickly alienated her supervisors, co-workers and the legal system. She simply didn’t understand the politics involved, nor was she willing to play their games. If she saw a problem, she simply fixed it or found someone who could.

As the Red Cross Liaison, Debra Anne would be assisting family members in communicating with military personnel through official channels. Using established avenues, the Liaison speeds up the verification process, thereby helping the messages arrive in a timely fashion. In addition, she helps arrange transportation across country for family members whose loved ones have been injured and for military personnel during times of family crisis. In addition to the messages, as a grief councilor she would be working very closely with Martin and Stella, helping family members and military personnel deal with combat injuries and death issues.

Deek invited her to meet the founders of OHB. Leaving, home she was well aware that if they turned Walter’s offer, she would have quit her job for nothing. She didn’t care. If they did, she was determined to change their minds. When her plane touched down in Dover, she was surprised to find Daniel waiting for her on the tarmack. She had intended to surprise him. Immediately, he kneeled before her and asked her to marry him. Whether she got the job or not, he didn’t want her to leave. If Deek hadn’t told him that she hadn’t been coming to him, he would have gone to her. He had received his orders to ship out to the Sandbox. Debra Anne said yes. They were married in a civil ceremony a few days later.

As a character, Debra Anne will not only be a valued member of the OHB team, but she will also show how the separation affects the family members. Through her, the viewers will experience the loneliness and fear that loved ones live with every day. Each time Stella receives the death and injured lists, Debra Anne will fear Daniel’s name will be on it. She will be reminded with every time other families faces a loss that next time it could be Daniel, her brothers or a friend. The viewers will be able to see how she copes with the loneliness as she writes letters to him and reads the letters he sends to her. Theirs is a love story of two soul mates who found each other only to be separated by the war. They are together in spirit, yet physically separated. Their letters, phone calls and emails will reflect their love and friendship, but what isn’t said will be more important than what is.

This role is going to challenge for a twenty-something the actress to reach deep down inside to not only love with her whole heart, but to have the courage to face each day with the knowledge she could lose him. She will have to be strong enough to walk the emotional tightrope between sharing the feelings and having pity parties.

To read the full proposal for Operation Home Base go to www.theresachaze.com

Interview with the Creator of the Newest Military TV Series

Interview with the Creator of the Newest Military TV Series
By
Stephen Mitchell

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk to writer Theresa Chaze about her new military series, Operation Home Base, and her other upcoming projects.

Stephen: I’ve read your proposal, pilot and the first season. You have been describing Operation Home Base as the newest military series, yet most of the stories are civilian based.

Theresa: First and foremost, OHB is about people. Although, I decided focus on military personnel, vets and their dependants, civilians also faces the same issues. I know the military and I care. I never really had the discipline to enlist myself, but I have a great deal of respect for those who do put their lives on their line. Like so many people, I never really considered what the families go through when their loved ones are deployed. Those who have loved ones who serve pull double duty with one foot in both military and civilian worlds.

Stephen: What inspired you to create OHB?

Theresa: A very good friend of mine used to volunteer for the Red Cross. The stories I heard planted the idea. But passing messages wasn’t active enough to create an hour drama. After doing research, I found several organizations who were helping military families, including one called Operation Homefront.



Stephen: From where do your your story lines come?

Theresa: From the back pages of newspapers. Unless a vet or military personnel does something really naughty, their stories don’t make the front page. I will also be using history. WWII, Korea, and Vietnam--they all have stories that need to be told. Some of them won’t be so nice to hear. But the healing has to start somewhere. So many vets came back and just buried what happened. But no matter how deeply they dug or how much denial they dumped on top of it, those experiences don’t just disappear or heal themselves.

Stephen: Can you give a few more examples from the first season?

Theresa: A Marines therapy dog was killed by two people just for the hell of it. His story will not only raise awareness about therapy dogs, but it is also the basis of a fund raiser on the show that I would really like to see blend into real life.

Someone in the had intercepted letters sent to military personnel, serving over seas, and wrote “Returned to sender. Deceased.“ Can you imagine what it felt like for the friends and family members to get their letters back? The Post Office traced the letters back to one of their hubs. Toward the end of the first season, this real life event will become Michael’s obsession.

Stephen: How does OHB compare with other dramas?

Theresa: I looked to the most successful dramas as my models: MASH, Medical Center, NCIS, Criminal Minds, Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons, The CSIs. I took the best pieces of all of them, added in real life and mixed well.

Stephen: I'm surprised to hear you list Little House and The Waltons.

Theresa: Both shows were about family. That is the foundation OHB is build on. Not only the families of vets and military personnel, but the brother and sisterhood of the military. The Marines say Semper Fi, but the concept applies to all the branches as well as to service in general. The Army vs. Navy game might have them fighting on the playing field, but when push comes to shove there is only one team--The United States.

Stephen: Which is your favorite character?

Theresa: I love them all, but I have a special fondness for Walter. He is going to be a lot like JR; the viewers will love to hate him. The thing about Walter is that he is all about family and country. Everything he does is motivated by those two things. It is the blind spot that others will use against him. He is the apex of the conspiracy or so it will seem, but even Walter doesn’t know who he is actually working for. But that is further down the road than I would like to talk about.

Stephen: I’ve noticed that most of your cast choices are older. Why?

Theresa: The characters and actors have to be older to have the experience to truly understand. Until you lived a little life, there is no way you can bring that kind of wisdom to the table. It would be very easy to bring beef cake and bikini’s to the table; that is what most shows are doing these days. But OHB is swimming in the deep end of the pool. The characters have issues. They are damaged on many levels, but in spite of all their pain, they still are willing to help others heal even if they can’t help themselves.

My site address is www.theresachaze.com. It’s the best starting point to learn about me and Operation Home Base.

Why Broadcast Television is Loosing Viewers?

Why Broadcast Television is Loosing Viewers?

It is a very simple question with a very simple answer. The networks aren’t providing a new programming that only to a minority of the viewers.


The networks continue to focus on teens and tween as they did during the early years of television, ignoring the fact that age demographic has changed. No longer are the tweens, teens and twenty-somethings the largest demographic. While the birth rate has decreased since the 1950’s. At the close of the 1950’s, the birth rate averaged 3.69, while the birth rate of 2008 averaged 2.10. At the same time, the average life span has in creased to 78.10 year. According to the CIA World Factbook, the median age has risen to 37.7 with largest increases being in the 50-54 and 45-49 age brackets.

Known as the baby boomer generation, those born from 1945-1959, were the largest generation to date. They were also the ones who originally made television successful. They were the ones who talked their parents into at least one TV in every home. From black and white TV’s and the choice of three-four stations if the viewer was lucky to the hundreds of channels and HD TV, the boomers were known as the television generation. Never knowing or caring to remember what life was like without television, they have remained completely loyal to the venue. Yet the industry has reward their loyalty by over looking not only their viewing needs but their spending power as well. For the first time in generations, the current generation has not financially done better than their parents. With less debt and with more stable incomes, those 35 and older are the least courted when it comes to programming and advertisers.

An undeniable fact of life is that generations relate to their own age group and those who are older. While teens are able to relate to older characters as siblings, parents, grandparent, the reverse is seldom true. A 40-something doesn't connect with the life experiences of tweens, teens, or 20-somethings. They’ve been there and done that; they want to know what is coming up for them as they grow older instead of looking back at their youth and daydreaming about going back.

Many of the new shows titillate with T & A, but no longer develop the characters or plots, which made the show interesting. As long as the girls look good in a bikini and the guys have eight-pack abs, it doesn’t matter who they are or what they are doing; the shows are made cheaply both in casting and sets. Many producers and networks aren’t simply willing to pay salaries for quality talent, so they stick with the cheaper unknowns, claiming that the older talent no longer attract an audience. Favorite actors and actresses have aged along with the viewers who originally make them popular. Tom Selleck may not attract a teen, but to women over the age of consent still think he looks pretty damn good. Jacqueline Smith is still an angel to most men. Both started as sex symbols, yet they worked to become well rounded masters of their craft.

Programming, which includes a balanced age demographic, have always been the most successful. The top ten longest running prime time scripted shows included:

1: Gunsmoke (1955-1975)
2: Lassie (1954-1972)
3: Death Valley Days (1952-1970)
4: The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952-1966)
5: Bonanza (1959-1973)
6: The Simpsons (1989-????)
7: Law & Order (1990-????)
8: My Three Sons (1960-1972)
9: Dallas (1978-1991)
10: Knots Landing (1979-1993)

However, with the recent two year renewal, The Simpsons have taken over the longest continuously running series title. Until February 7, 2010 the final episode of MASH was the most watch show ever when Super Bowl XLIV over took the position.
.

The following list are the programs, which listed with the highest average ratings by year.

1950–1951 Texaco Star Theater NBC
1951–1952 Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts CBS
1952–1955 I Love Lucy CBS
1955–1956 The $64,000 Question CBS
1956–1957 I Love Lucy CBS
1957–1961 Gunsmoke CBS
1961–1962 Wagon Train NBC
1962–1964 The Beverly Hillbillies CBS
1964–1967 Bonanza NBC
1967–1968 The Andy Griffith Show CBS
1968–1970 Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In NBC
1970–1971 Marcus Welby, M.D. ABC
1971–1976 All in the Family CBS
1976–1977 Happy Days ABC
1977–1978 Laverne and Shirley ABC
1978–1979 Three's Company ABC
1980–1982 Dallas CBS
1982–1983 60 Minutes CBS
1983–1984 Dallas CBS
1984–1985 Dynasty ABC
1985–1989 The Cosby Show NBC
1989–1990 (tie) The Cosby Show NBC
(tie) Roseanne ABC
1990–1991 Cheers NBC
1991–1993 60 Minutes CBS
1993–1994 Home Improvement ABC
1994–1995 Seinfeld NBC
1995–1997 ER NBC
1997–1998 Seinfeld NBC
1998–1999 ER NBC
1999–2000 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire ABC
2000–2001 Survivor CBS
2001–2002 Friends NBC
2002–2004 CSI CBS
2004–2009 American Idol Fox


With the exceptions of the game (Survivor and American Idol are just the latest incarnation of game shows) and news shows, these programs are well crafted scripted shows, whose characters were portrayed by many generations of actors.

The tread continues into 2010 Top Ranking Shows of the 2009-2010 Season Through Feb. 7, 2010


Rank Program Name Net
1 UNDERCOVER BOSS CBS
2 AMERICAN IDOL-TUESDAY FOX
3 AMERICAN IDOL-WEDNESDAY FOX
4 NCIS CBS
5 SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NBC
6 DANCING WITH THE STARS ABC
7 NCIS: LOS ANGELES CBS
8 THE MENTALIST CBS
9 DANCING W/STARS RESULTS ABC
10 CSI CBS
11 CBS NFL NATL POST GAME CBS
12 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES ABC
13 CRIMINAL MINDS CBS
14 TWO AND A HALF MEN CBS
15 GREY'S ANATOMY ABC
16 SUNDAY NIGHT NFL PRE-KICK NBC
17 THE BIG BANG THEORY CBS
18 60 MINUTES CBS
19 CSI: NY CBS
20 HOUSE FOX



According to TV Guide The Most Popular TV Shows Rank
TV Show Next On Network
1 American Idol Tue, Feb 23 08:00 PM ET FOX
2 The Bachelor Mon, Feb 15 08:00 PM ET ABC
3 NCIS Mon, Feb 15 06:00 AM ET USA
4 Real Housewives of
Orange County Thu, Feb 18 10:00 PM ET BRAVO
5 Dancing with the Stars Not airing in the next 14 days
6 24 Mon, Feb 15 09:00 PM ET FOX
7 Criminal Minds Sat, Feb 13 12:01 AM ET A&E
8 Keeping Up with
the Kardashians Mon, Feb 15 10:00 PM ET E!
9 Grey's Anatomy Tue, Feb 16 06:00 PM ET LIFE
10 Desperate Housewives Mon, Feb 15 03:00 PM ET LIFE
11 Bones Sat, Feb 13 06:00 PM ET WGNAME
12 House Sat, Feb 13 06:00 PM ET BRAVO
13 Bad Girls Club Sat, Feb 13 09:00 AM ET OXYGN
14 Smallville Fri, Feb 19 08:00 PM ET CW
15 Vampire Diaries Thu, Feb 18 08:00 PM ET CW
16 Days of Our Lives Tue, Feb 16 01:00 PM ET NBC
17 Biggest Loser Not airing in the next 14 days
18 Secret Life of the
American Teenager Mon, Feb 15 08:00 PM ET ABCFAM
19 One Tree Hill Mon, Feb 15 08:00 PM ET CW
20 Damages Mon, Feb 15 10:00 PM ET FX
21 The Game Sat, Feb 13 12:30 PM ET BET
22 Nip/Tuck Wed, Feb 17 10:00 PM ET FX
23 Big Bang Theory Mon, Feb 15 09:31 PM ET CBS
24 iCarly Sat, Feb 13 12:00 PM ET NIK
25 Chuck Not airing in the next 14 days
26 Lost Tue, Feb 16 09:00 PM ET ABC
27 Supernatural Mon, Feb 15 09:00 AM ET TNT
28 Ghost Whisperer Sat, Feb 13 01:00 AM ET WE
29 Wizards of Waverly Place Sat, Feb 13 04:00 PM ET DISNEY
30 Family Guy Sun, Feb 14 09:00 PM ET FOX
31 Young and the Restless Mon, Feb 15 12:30 PM ET CBS
32 90210 Tue, Feb 16 08:00 PM ET CW
33 Brothers & Sisters Sun, Feb 21 10:01 PM ET ABC
34 Gossip Girl Wed, Feb 17 09:00 PM ET CW
35 Oprah Winfrey Not airing in the next 14 days
36 Law & Order:
Special Victims Unit Sat, Feb 13 11:00 PM ET USA
37 Hannah Montana Sat, Feb 13 11:00 AM ET ABC
38 Legend of the Seeker Sat, Feb 13 04:00 PM ET WGNAME
39 The Office Sat, Feb 13 06:30 PM ET TBS
40 Fringe Not airing in the next 14 days
41 Friday Night Lights Not airing in the next 14 days
42 CSI: Miami Sat, Feb 13 07:00 PM ET A&E
43 Glee Not airing in the next 14 days
44 Eastwick Not airing in the next 14 days
45 Heroes Not airing in the next 14 days
46 Two and a Half Men Mon, Feb 15 09:00 PM ET CBS
47 The Mentalist Thu, Feb 18 09:00 PM ET CBS
48 Teen Mom Sat, Feb 13 02:00 PM ET MTV
49 The Good Wife Tue, Feb 16 10:00 PM ET CBS
50 Jersey Shore Sat, Feb 13 08:00 PM ET MTV
51 The Unit Sun, Feb 14 03:00 AM ET BET
52 Burn Notice Thu, Feb 18 10:00 PM ET USA
53 How I Met Your Mother Mon, Feb 15 01:00 AM ET LIFE
54 Private Practice Thu, Feb 18 10:01 PM ET ABC
55 Sons of Anarchy Not airing in the next 14 days
56 Medium Sat, Feb 13 12:30 AM ET LIFE
57 Dr. Oz Show Not airing in the next 14 days
58 General Hospital Mon, Feb 15 03:00 PM ET ABC
59 Law & Order Sat, Feb 13 06:00 AM ET TNT
60 Ugly Betty Sat, Feb 13 07:00 PM ET TVGN
61 America's Next Top Model Sat, Feb 13 08:00 AM ET BRAVO
62 White Collar Sun, Feb 14 01:00 AM ET USA
63 Castle Mon, Feb 15 10:00 PM ET ABC
64 Phineas and Ferb Sat, Feb 13 08:00 AM ET DISXD
65 Army Wives Not airing in the next 14 days
66 Modern Family Wed, Feb 17 08:00 PM ET ABC
67 NUMB3RS Sat, Feb 13 04:00 AM ET TNT
68 Cold Case Sun, Feb 14 10:00 PM ET CBS
69 Dateline NBC Not airing in the next 14 days
70 Project Runway Sat, Feb 13 10:00 AM ET LRW
71 All My Children Mon, Feb 15 01:00 AM ET SOAP
72 Masterpiece Sun, Feb 14 09:00 PM ET PBS
73 True Blood Not airing in the next 14 days
74 Human Target Wed, Feb 17 08:00 PM ET FOX
75 Make It or Break It Mon, Feb 15 09:00 PM ET ABCFAM
76 Bold and the Beautiful Mon, Feb 15 01:30 PM ET CBS
77 CSI: Crime Scene
Investigation Sat, Feb 13 01:00 AM ET SPIKE
78 Scrubs Sat, Feb 13 01:00 PM ET COMEDY
79 Leverage Sat, Feb 13 10:00 AM ET TNT
80 Cops Sat, Feb 13 08:00 PM ET FOX
81 The Deep End Thu, Feb 18 08:00 PM ET ABC
82 Spartacus: Blood and Sand Fri, Feb 19 10:00 PM ET STARZ
83 Dora the Explorer Mon, Feb 15 08:00 AM ET NIK
84 Dollhouse Not airing in the next 14 days
85 Mad Men Not airing in the next 14 days
86 NCIS: Los Angeles Tue, Feb 16 09:00 PM ET CBS
87 20/20 Fri, Feb 19 10:00 PM ET ABC
88 Big Love Sun, Feb 14 09:00 PM ET HBOe
89 Life Unexpected Mon, Feb 15 09:00 PM ET CW
90 Saturday Night Live Not airing in the next 14 days
91 The Pregnancy Pact Not airing in the next 14 days
92 Suite Life on Deck Sat, Feb 13 01:30 AM ET DISXD
93 Mercy Not airing in the next 14 days
94 Girls Next Door Sat, Feb 13 01:00 AM ET E!
95 Extreme Makeover:
Home Edition Sun, Feb 14 09:00 PM ET ABC
96 The Middle Wed, Feb 17 08:30 PM ET ABC
97 Doctor Who Sat, Feb 13 11:00 PM ET PBS
98 Law & Order:
Criminal Intent Sat, Feb 13 06:00 AM ET USA
99 So You Think
You Can Dance Not airing in the next 14 days
100 Cougar Town Wed, Feb 17 09:30 PM ET ABC

Quality programming, which has to multi-generational appeal, has proven for decades to not only to be big rating winners, but also the longer lasting shows. In addition, these same shows have become popular syndication favorites by expanding their fan base into the ever growing world of cable networks.

Yet networks continue to produce programming specifically targeted toward the tweens, teens and twenty-somethings. Advertisers still consider the same age group as preferred target. They simply fail to comprehend that by casting a wider net by including all age groups, they also catch the not only the teeny boppers, but also their older family members. The catch is that talent, who have a successful track record of producing quality work and being able to attract viewers, yet the like all masters of crafts, they also cost more, which is a price most producers and networks are unwilling to pay. By cutting costs and quality, they have turned away the viewing demographic, which not only made the television popular, but who now have the disposable income to make it successful. Instead of watching the new shows, older viewers are turning to older TV shows, either on DVD and the increasing number of nostalgia networks. TV Land may have started the trend, but they are hardly the last to see the value in bringing back the old favorites.

The simple fact is that technology continues to give viewers continue more options. They are no longer limited to the three local broadcast station. In fact, television has become a land without borders. If the viewers don’t like what the networks are presenting, they can simply channel surf, rent or search the net until they find something that appeals to them.

Operation Home Base: An Alternative to NCIS

Operation Home Base is a military drama about fictional non profit organization that gives support to military personnel and their families. Staffed with unique characters, each of which has their own reasons for wanting to help military personnel, OHB is designed to build a bridge between the civilian population and the military. OHB is a combination between NCIS and Army Wives with the potential for therapist drama as well. There is a wide range of potential stories that can be spun from this set-up, from domestic drama, hospital/therapist drama, legal drama, crime drama, adventure, even the occasional comedic episode.

To read the full proposal go to http://www.theresachaze.com



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Alternative to NCIS: New Military Series

Operation Home Base: A proposal
By
Theresa Chaze

The government offers a small organization unlimited resources in order to help military personnel and their dependents. Is it a honest humanitarian offer or are they once again trying to hide something? And if so, what?

Operation Home Base is a military drama about fictional non profit organization that gives support to military personnel and their families. Staffed with unique characters, each of which has their own reasons for wanting to help military personnel, OHB is designed to build a bridge between the civilian population and the military. OHB is a combination between NCIS and Army Wives with the potential for therapist drama as well. There is a wide range of potential stories that can be spun from this set-up, from domestic drama, hospital/therapist drama, legal drama, crime drama, adventure, even the occasional comedic episode.

Seeing the need, the organizers created Operation Home Base to help those in the military and their dependants to meet the basic needs of life. Existing on donations of time, money and resources, they frequently had to dip into their own savings to keep the lights on. Coming from diverse backgrounds, personalities, and motivations, they combine their talents to create a bridge between civilians and the military.

An Army brat, Lorelei Stewart grew up to married military. When her husband was killed in action, she learned how little support families received from those they served. His death left more than a financial and emotional void in their lives. There were questions about his death that the Army refused to answer. Determined to be part of the solution, instead of just ignoring the problem, Stewart goes back to school. Through her own hard work, sacrifice and stubbornness, Stewart earned Master degrees in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences. For a short time, she works for the FBI as a profiler. Through her job, she meets Michael Woodsman.

Michael Woodsman grew up in a Navy family. He always intended to follow the family tradition and enlist right out of high school. However, a childish prank in his teens led to the accident that left him permanently disabled. Unable to serve he went onto college to get a degree in Political Science. Using family connections, he worked his way up the political system. His hard edge and cynicism make him a dangerous opponent, who is willing to use his political capital both above board, while still being perfectly capable of blackmailing behind the scenes. He is a team player with an us or them mentality. For the us, he is a supportive and loyal advocate. The them quickly learn that crossing him was not a pleasant experience for his charm was a thin facade for the frustrated warrior within. While working for the Defense Department, he meets Lt. Colonel Elaine Reynolds. Although sexually attracted to her in the beginning, he respects her and her marriage too much to pursue the relationship.

Lt. Colonel Elaine Reynolds was a career officer, wife and mother, who found a way to balance her career and family needs with the help of her police detective husband. She joined the military to get an education. More office support than combat ready, Reynolds was still not above low blows both physically and verbally if the situation required action. Half accountant, half weasel, she learned how to work the system to get what she needed for her base by not only making every nickel count, but by also creatively using the resources at hand. It was through her dealings with the base Domestic Assistance co-coordinator that she met Martin Flying Crow.

A full-blooded Oneida, Martin Flying Crow used his brother’s birth certificate to enlist early to escape the abject poverty of the Rez to find the destiny his ancestors placed before him. Trained by his shaman grandmother, Flying Crow planned to walk the Red Road. The Eagle Spirit showed him that he was destined to be a healer and spiritual guide to others. What the Eagle didn’t reveal was that the road would begin covered with the blood of others. Enlisting in the Navy, he served two tours in Vietnam as combat medic embedded with a Marine unit. Although, he was not officially allowed to carry weapons, he did not hesitate to defend those in his unit by whatever means necessary. He encountered Colonel Walter Hummel and Sergeant Major Deek Williams during an investigation and eventual cover up of the unnecessary deaths of both Marines and civilians. The hypocrisy, lies and betrayal were enough to change Flying Crow’s mind about re-enlisting. Returning home, he worked as a paramedic. He quickly learned how little support there was for military personnel. Working out of his garage, he gathered information, contacts, and resources, which he used to improve the lives of those affected by war. He gained national attention when he was able to talk a wounded warrior out of committing suicide. It was this exposure, which made him national news and gave retiring Reynolds the inspiration for the next segment of her life. Enlisting Stewart and Woodsman and using Flying Crows template, the four of them created Operation Home Base.

Living hand to mouth, OHB was always on the verge of closing their doors. The need was great, while resources were limited. When Walter Hummel appeared with an offer of an endless supply of cash and political clout, it seemed to be too good to be true. Three members were eager to accept. Martin was the only hold out. He didn’t trust Hummel’s motives. He had already seen how Hummel’s open hand was the diversion for the hidden one holding the dagger. He knows the dangers, but he is willing to barter whatever is left of his soul to help those who serve and their families.

After the agreement is signed, the three other members begin to suspect that Martin’s suspicions are valid as they learn that Deacon (Deek) Williams has been chosen as Government Liaison/OHB Supervisor without their input. As the new head of OHB, he answers only to Walter and the Pentagon.

An ex-special ops, Deek was deployed in Vietnam in the summer o f 1966. Assigned to Recon Intelligence, he worked closely with the Montagnard and the Vietnamese Army. Five years later, he reemerged from his assignment and was immediately air lifted out. His military records were sealed except to those with the highest security clearance. Charming one minute, deadly the next, Williams is able to accomplish the seemingly impossible. A permanent bachelor, he has many love interests but no attachments. He sees the big picture when it comes to his career and the military, but he refuses to get caught up in the messiness of intra-personal relationships. The "companions" who warm his bed at night are never there to see the dawn. He is a man of mystery and many contradictions. Likeable, yet frequently frightening, he disappears without notice only to return without explanation.

Immediately, the team is called into service after a disgraced Marine has been found burned to death in there remnants of his parent’s home. They need to help Gunnery Sergeant Matt Thompson and his wife deal not only with the death of their only son, but the disgrace of their son being dishonorable discharged and accused of raping a friend‘s teenage daughter. OHB must help defend them from the charge of murder made by a deputy sheriff who has a grudge against the Gunny.

Operation Home Base will provide a perspective and understanding, if not the whole truth.






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Operation Home Base

OPERATION HOME BASE

Operation Home Base is a military drama about a fictional non profit organization that gives support to military personnel and their families. Staffed with unique characters, each of which has their own reasons for wanting to help military personnel, OHB is designed to build a bridge between the civilian population and the military. OHB is a combination between NCIS and Army Wives with the potential for a therapist drama as well. There is a wide range of potential stories that can be spun from this set-up, from domestic drama, hospital/therapist drama, legal drama, crime drama, adventure, even the occasional comedic episode. Though fictional, this is a story of real people, and the situations could have been ripped from the day’s headlines. OHB has a bit of everything; war and suspense, action and adventure, romance and betrayal. Fully formed characters who are flawed, but working for redemption; edge of the seat suspense as the action zips along at warp speed.

To read the treatment go to www.theresachaze.com

Suggested Cast:
Deacon (Deek) Williams: Tom Selleck
Martin Flying Crow: Graham Greene
Randi Cullen: Alyssa Milano
Michael Woodsman: Drake Hogeston
Lorelei Stewart: Gloria Loring
Elaine Reynolds: Deidre Hall
Walter Hummel: Alan Alda



Operation Home Base Pilot Episode:
Acting as a representative for the branches of the military and the federal government, Walter Hummel approaches the founders of Operation Home Base with an offer of economic and logistic support as well as political influence. Although Martin Flying Crow doesn’t trust Hummel, he is unwilling to deprive the armed service personnel and their families of the badly needed support. However, once the paperwork has been signed, the committee realizes that they may have gotten more than they bargained for. Immediately they are called to service. Dishonorably discharged and accused of raping a local teenager, ex marine, Ken Thompson, is found dead in his parents home. The deputy sheriff in charge suspects the Gunnery Sergeant and his wife are responsible for the murder of their son The OHB’s new legal adviser and the government advocate with the help of the NCIS team not only exposes the ulterior motives of the deputy, but also truth behind the death of the much hated man


To read the pilot episode script please email me at Tirgana@yahoo.com

Military Series Seek Investors

I am looking for investors for my military series Operation Home Base. OHB intertwines the challenges military personnel face with those of their families. This is not an Army Wives or reality show, but an accurate portrayal of military life. The show intertwines drama and suspense with comedy to tell the stories of active duty, vets, and wounded warriors along with those who love them. It is designed to build a bridge between the civilian population and the military.

Operation Home Base is fictional non profit organization that gives support to military families, veterans, wounded warriors, and active duty military personnel by working with existing programs and organizations. OHB works in partnership with the bases’ Dependent Centers to give aid and comfort to military personal and their families while acting as intermediary not only with other military agencies but with the civilian services. Staffed with active duty and retired military personnel along with civilians, OHB was created by the combined branches of the services to take care of their own. It is pilot program, which is designed to build a bridge between the civilian population and the military. Their single goal is to fill the voids left by governmental agencies who are unable provide the necessary services and support for all branches of the military.

It will be shot in Michigan, which will qualify it for the 40-42% incentives offered by the state. Those who are interested may call me at 231-943-3298.

Operation Home Base Pilot Episode

OPERATION HOME BASE

Operation Home Base is non profit organization that gives support to military families, veterans, wounded warriors, and active duty military personnel by working with existing programs and organizations. OHB works in partnership with the bases’ Dependent Centers to give aid and comfort to military personal and their families while acting as intermediary not only with other military agencies but with the civilian services. Staffed with active duty and retired military personnel along with civilians, OHB was created by the combined branches of the services to take care of their own. It is pilot program, which is designed to build a bridge between the civilian population and the military. Their single goal is to fill the voids left by governmental agencies who are unable provide the necessary services and support for all branches of the military.

To read the treatment go to www.theresachaze.com

Suggested Cast:
Deacon (Deek) Williams: Tom Selleck
Martin Flying Crow: Graham Greene
Randi Cullen: Alyssa Milano
Michael Woodsman: Drake Hogeston
Lorelei Stewart: Gloria Loring
Elaine Reynolds: Deidre Hall
Walter Hummel: Alan Alda


Operation Home Base Pilot Episode:
Acting as a representative for the branches of the military and the federal government, Walter Hummel approaches the founders of Operation Home Base with an offer of economic and logistic support as well as political influence. Although Martin Flying Crow doesn’t trust Hummel, he is unwilling to deprive the armed service personnel and their families of the badly needed support. However, once the paperwork has been signed, the committee realizes that they may have gotten more than they bargained for. Immediately they are called to service. Dishonorably discharged and accused of raping a local teenager, ex marine, Ken Thompson, is found dead in his parents home. The deputy sheriff in charge suspects the Gunnery Sergeant and his wife are responsible for the murder of their son The OHB’s new legal adviser and the government advocate with the help of the NCIS team not only exposes the ulterior motives of the deputy, but also truth behind the death of the much hated man

To read the pilot episode script email me at Tirgana@yahoo.com

Operation Home Base: The Pilot Episode

Operation Home Base is a nationwide non profit organization with local chapters that gives support to military families, veterans, wounded warriors, and active duty military personnel by working with existing programs and organizations. Acting as an information hub, OHB works in partnership with the bases’ Dependent Centers to give aid and comfort to military personal and their families while acting as intermediary not only with other military agencies but with the civilian services. Staffed with active duty and retired military personnel along with civilians, OHB was created by the combined branches of the services to take care of their own, building a bridge between the civilian population and the military. Their single goal is to fill the voids left by governmental agencies who are unable provide the necessary services and support for all branches of the military. It is designed to build a bridge between the civilian population and the military.

The Pilot Episode:
Acting as a representative for the branches of the military and the federal government, Walter Hummel approaches the founders of Operation Home Base with an offer of economic and logistic support as well as political influence. Although Martin Flying Crow doesn’t trust Hummel, he is unwilling to deprive the armed service personnel and their families of the badly needed support. However, once the paperwork has been signed, the committee realizes that they may have gotten more than they bargained for. Immediately they are called to service. Dishonorably discharged and accused of raping a local teenager, ex marine, Ken Thompson, is found dead in his parents home. The deputy sheriff in charge suspects the Gunnery Sergeant and his wife are responsible for the murder of their son The OHB’s new legal adviser and the government advocate with the help of the NCIS team not only exposes the ulterior motives of the deputy, but also truth behind the death of the much hated man.
To read the treatment go to www.theresachaze.com

New Military Drama: Operation Home Base

New Military Drama: Operation Home Base
By
Theresa Chaze

Acting as a representative for the branches of the military and the federal government, Walter Hummel approaches the founders of Operation Home Base with an offer of economic and logistic support as well as political influence. Although Martin Flying Crow doesn’t trust Hummel, he is unwilling to deprive the armed service personnel and their families of the badly needed support. However, once the paperwork has been signed, the committee realizes that they may have gotten more than they bargained for. Immediately they are called to service. Dishonorably discharged and accused of raping a local teenager, ex marine, Ken Thompson, is found dead in his parents home. The deputy sheriff in charge suspects the Gunnery Sergeant and his wife are responsible for the murder of their son The OHB’s new legal advisor and the government advocate with the help of the NCIS team not only exposes the ulterior motives of the deputy, but also truth behind the death of the much hated man.



The full treatment including the full description of the show and primary characters:
www.theresachaze.com

Operation Home Base: A Military Drama

OPERATION HOME BASE
Operation Home Base is a nationwide non profit organization with local chapters that gives support to military families, veterans, wounded warriors, and active duty military personnel by working with existing programs and organizations. Acting as an information hub, OHB works in partnership with the bases’ Dependent Centers to give aid and comfort to military personal and their families while acting as intermediary not only with other military agencies but with the civilian services. Staffed with active duty and retired military personnel along with civilians, OHB was created by the combined branches of the services to take care of their own. Their single goal is to fill the voids left by governmental agencies who are unable provide the necessary services and support for all branches of the military.



To read the full series treatment click here

To read the first draft of the first hour click here

Operation Home Base: Inteview with the Creator

It's short notice, but I'll be on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Celestial-McGarrett/2009/05/29/Metaphysical-Meat tonight 10 pm eastern talking about Operation Home Base and my other work. It is a new interactive radio talk show. I will be chatting with Celestial McGarrett and taking questions.

Operation Home Base

Operation Home Base is a nationwide non profit organization with local chapters that gives support to military families, veterans, wounded warriors, and active duty military personnel by working with existing programs and organizations. Acting as an information hub, OHB works in partnership with the bases’ Dependent Centers to give aid and comfort to military personal and their families while acting as intermediary not only with other military agencies but with the civilian services. Staffed with active duty and retired military personnel along with civilians, OHB was created by the combined branches of the services to take care of their own. Their single goal is to fill the voids left by governmental agencies who are unable provide the necessary services and support for all branches of the military.

To read part of the first draft http://www.theresachaze.com/files/OHB_episode_One2.pdf

Hidden Between the Lines: An NCIS Episode

Hidden Between the Lines: NCIS Episode

Back story:
Summer 1961, the CIA and MI6 joined forces to send in a covert team into Cuba. The five member team included CIA operative Simon Erickson, Navy Seals Joshua Hanson and Roger Davis, and Leonard Mason and Donald Mallard from MI6. They were to gather both tactical and political information on the alliance between Castro and Soviet Premier Nikita Krushchev. The team made contact with the anti-Castro forces through Tessa McGraw. Half British-half Cuban, Tessa found herself caught between her parent’s worlds. However, after the death of her older brother and father at the hands of Castro’s secret police, she agreed to become an informant for the CIA. When the team arrived six months later, the mid-twenty year old was already a seasoned operative. Based in homes and in the mountains, McGraw and other rebels helped the team ferret out information. Working closely together, Mallard and McGraw fell in love. When the increasing close calls forced team leader, Simon Erickson decided to pull out, Mallard arranged for her to go with them. The rebels had arranged for one last meeting, claiming they had Castro‘s advanced travel schedule. Although the information came from outside the established channels, it was too good to pass up. McGraw and Hanson drove to the meet, while the rest of the team waited in the hills over looking the house. When the secret police swarmed the house, there was nothing that could be done except retreat back to Guantanamo Navel Base. Questioning the increasing instances of bad information, Erickson demanded an investigation into the loyalty of the team; however, it was quashed by an unknown source. The team was officially cleared, yet Erickson couldn’t let it go of his belief that the team had been set up. He resigned and disappeared.

Using his experiences, Erickson had become a successful novelist. For his final book, he chose to revise his last mission by reconnecting with his team mates and asking their help in learning the truth. . After Erickson is shot at in his home, he learns that both Davis and Mason are dead. Roger Davis was killed in a car accident when his breaks failed. Leonard Mason is murdered on the street.

***********

The car stops at the top hill. Roger Davis, Simon Erickson, Leonard Mason and Donald Mallard get out. Joshua Hanson sits behind the wheel. Tessa McGraw sits on the passenger side. Mallard leans into through the open window and kisses her. Erickson teases him that she’ll back in time for their wedding day. The car drives down to the house. The pair goes inside. Moments later the secret police converge. Shots are fired. Tessa screams once. Mallard tries to run down the hill. Erickson and Mason stop him; there is nothing they can do to save them. They force him to leave.

Ducky wakes up in his own bed. Crying, he pulls out an old picture of himself embracing Tessa.

Ducky sits at this desk reading the letter Erickson sent him. He is upset and tired. Gibbs asks for the autopsy results of Lance Corporal Stevens; he needs to know if it was suicide or murder. Hiding the letter, Ducky uncharacteristically snaps back that he will get the result when the report is ready and not before. He immediately apologizes, explaining that he hasn’t been sleeping well. Gibb asks him about the letter. Ducky ignores the question and goes to work.

Momentarily torn, Gibbs opens the drawer and reads the letter; after which, he has McGee research the three remaining members of the team. Gibb orders him to keep the research off the books.

McGee has trouble finding information on their mission; not all of the CIA’s historical records have been added to the data base. However, he was able to learn from secondary files in found in the FBI archives that Simon Erickson was part of a five man recon team, which was sent into to Cuba in 1961. The details of the mission and the end result had been cleansed; however, after cross referencing the smaller details, he found Erickson’s requests for an investigation of the team and his suspicion of a traitor in the group. McGee was able to find more current information about Erickson. Although he disappeared for nearly a decade after he resigned from the CIA, he reappeared in the early 1970’s as part of the peace and environmental movements. For a short time, he was politically active, running for Governor of California as a Democrat against Ronald Reagan. He is a novelist known for writing murder and spy novels. McGee was still looking into the other members of the team.

Ducky finds himself reliving his time together with Tessa. Abby asks about the blood and tissue sample was supposed to send. Annoyed, Duck asks why suddenly everyone is questioning his work ethic and breaks the connection. Worried, Abby contacts Gibbs; he tells her that he is looking into it.

Gibbs contacts Fornell to ask for help. Annoyed, Fornell reminds Gibbs that he isn’t old enough to have been around at the time of the Bay of Pigs, but that he wasn’t to sure about Gibbs. After Gibbs tells him the reason he needs the information, Fornell agrees to look into it.

Ziva and Tony continue to investigate the death of the marine. Instead of murder, the evidence has begun to lean towards suicide. Both are curious about McGee’s research; they don’t understand why they have been kept out of the loop. Gibbs orders them to keep their minds on their own case.

Fornell delivers a file on the mission to Gibbs. Erickson’s questions did initiate an investigation into the mission, but General Joshua Hanson Sr. had the results sealed Gibbs questions why the General would want the circumstances of his son’s death kept quiet. Unlike Davis and Mason who recently met unfortunate ends, the General is still alive. Fornell suggests that Gibbs ask him and offers to drive. Gibb tries to decline; Fornell withholds the file, he going to be there when the grand-daddy of all son of a bitches kicks Gibbs’ asses or Gibbs can try to get the information elsewhere. Gibbs reluctantly agrees. The file lists both Roger Davis and Leonard Mason as deceased without any details of how they died or what they had been doing for the last 40 years. Of the five man team, only Duck and Erickson are still alive. Gibbs doesn’t like it and orders McGee to find out how Davis and Mason died as well as the current location of Erickson.

Erickson calls Ducky at the morgue. Ducky nearly hangs up on him until Erickson tells him that his life is in danger. Erickson convinces him that they have to meet. Reluctantly Ducky agrees. Erickson is parked outside Ducky’s house. Ducky takes personal time for the rest of the day and immediately leaves

Gibbs asks Ziva and Tony how Lance Corporal Stevens died. They are fairly certain it was suicide; however, they are waiting on the autopsy report. Tony calls down for the results and learns that Ducky mysterious left early. Gibbs sends Ziva to find Ducky and watch over him until further notice. However, she is not to let him know. She asks why and is told because he said so. Through his cell phone, McGee tracks Ducky to his home.

Gibbs and Fornell leave to visit General Hanson. Tony picks up the file and decides go back to the beginning and investigate Erickson’s charges that one team members was a traitor.

After Ducky finds Simon Erickson (Robert Vaughn) waiting for him in the shadows near his front door. Although at one time the two men were very good friends, Ducky has nothing to say to him. Erickson asks him if Tessa’s memory deserves the truth. Ducky reluctantly agrees. Ducky makes tea; he asks if Erickson still takes his with Brandy. Both men feel guilty and responsible, but for different reasons. Erickson still believes there was a mole in their group. Ducky no longer cares; he wants the past to stay buried. Erickson doesn’t believe him; Ducky loved Tessa too much to forget her. He questions if that is the reason Ducky never married. Ignoring the question, Ducky asks why dig up the past now? Erickson needs not only to understand what happened, but he also wants to find the truth so they all can find peace.

Ziva arrives at Ducky’s home. Through the window, she sees him having tea with a man she doesn’t recognize. All seems well. She doesn’t understand what she is doing there spying on a friend. From the sidewalk, a man in his late 60’s (Joshua Mathew Hanson) stops and watches her. They make eye contact; he smiles and tips his hat before continuing down the street. Just of her line of sight, he stops and angrily looks back. He walks toward the house next door.

Gibbs and Fornell arrive at General Joshua Hanson’s home. It is a modest, yet secluded home in the country. The housekeeper lets them in. The General just left for his daily constitution around the gardens. She offers them coffee while they wait. The living room is filled with four generations family photos and mementos of the General’s military career. Fornell comments on the resemblance between Hanson’s sons; he speculates if they were twins. Obviously family is very important to the General. The housekeeper brings in the tray of coffee. They asked her about the family photos. She started working for the General fifteen years ago after his wife died. She never knew Joshua; the son in the pictures is Mathew. Pictures span his entire life; the current pictures show that he is the man that Ziva saw. . Although she has never met Mathew’s wife, Theresa or the rest of the family, she recently met him for the first time. The General usually winters with them, but she wasn‘t quite sure where. He was always very secretive about their location. Before they are able to ask more questions, the General arrives.

In his 90’s, the General is mentally and physically fit even for a man twenty years his junior. He orders them out; he won’t have a couple of spooks in his house. Gibbs points out there is only one spook; he retired as a Gunnery Sergeant. A marine and a spook working together--obviously, Gibbs is a disgrace to his uniform. They ask why he quashed the investigation into his son’s death. Instead of answering, Hanson blames the jackasses in Washington for the loss of his son. Joshua was the logical choice to lead the mission; he had all the experience and contacts in Cuba. The General met wife while he had been stationed at Gitmo. At the time, they still had family who were willing to help, including Joshua’s fiancée. If Joshua had been leading the mission, he wouldn’t have had to lose his son. Gibbs asks to see a picture of Joshua. The General refuses and orders them both out of his house. Gibbs and Fornell leave; both know he is hiding something.

McGee discovers that both Davis and Mason died under mysterious circumstances, Davis died when his breaks failed and the car went over a cliff into the sea; his body had been found. Mason was shot on the street; the case was still unsolved. He was able to trace Erickson’s recent movements through credit card receipts and airline tickets. In both cases, he had been in the area when the men died. He had been seen with Mason shortly before he was killed. The police questioned him, but could prove nothing. He was also involved in another shooting two days before. He was still working on getting the details. According to his credit card, Erickson flew into town last night.

Tony has back checked the individual members of the team. He is surprised by some of the things he found in Ducky’s history. Joshua Hanson and Roger Davis were part of a Navy’s Underwater Demolition Team (UDT); they volunteered when the Chief of Navel Operations created the Seals. Both were well trained, but the General had pulled strings to fast track his son’s career; he was the original team leader until the CIA put Erickson in charge. According to Davis’s widow, both father and son were furious over the change. One of the reasons Hanson volunteered for the mission was to bring back his fiancée, Tessa McGraw. After his tour of duty, Davis returned to his family and led an unremarkable life. Leonard Mason returned to England and was assigned to other duties. SIS was unwilling to share any further information.

Erickson has always felt guilty and responsible for the deaths and failure of the mission. If he had listened to his gut and followed procedure, both Hanson and Tessa would still be alive. Instead he had allowed his ambition to blind him to the risks; Ducky reminds him that they all knew what could happen before they set foot on the beach. Erickson always through there was more going on than they knew. Someone had enough power to squash his requests for an investigation. Through the Freedom of Information Act, Erickson was able to gain access to more information about who was involved with the planning of the mission. Most of the most sensitive material had been blocked out. But there was enough for him to find back doors to go through. He wrote to the three of them to not only back check his own memories, but to see if any of them had remembered any details that they hadn’t shared. Ducky asks what the other remembered. Erickson tells them that they didn’t get a chance to tell him; they were murdered. The night before someone had shot at him in his home; it was the reason he showed up on Ducky’s doorstep.

Ziva calls in. She doesn’t understand why she is spying on a friend. . In the background, Joshua Mathew is seen watching her from a concealed position. She would find it easier to do her job if she knew what she was looking for. Tony reminds her Gibbs always has his reasons; he doesn’t always share them. “It’s not for us to reason why. Ours is just to or die.” Gibbs and Fornell return to base. Gibbs chimes “Kill, no. I’d just kick your ass.” Ziva tells them that the street is quiet; the only person she’s seen was an elderly gentleman taking a walk. Both McGee and Tony share what they learned. The question if the old man was still capable of killing. Fornell speculates that it is more likely the brother. Gibbs asks about the brother. McGee tells him that the General only had one son, Joshua Mathew. Gibbs calls Ziva; she doesn’t answer her phone.

Ducky had thought it was odd that Joshua Hanson was the one who brought the tip in; up until that time, Hanson had been reluctant to deal directly with the locals; he had always refused to go into town. Erickson agreed that it was one of the details that had always bothered him, especially after he learned years later of the Hanson family’s close connection to Cuba. There is a knock at the door. Ducky isn’t expecting anyone. Erickson hides out of sight as Ducky answers the door. Through the peep hole, he sees Ziva and tells Erickson to relax. It’s a friend. Ducky opens the door. Hanson is holding a gun on Ziva. For moment, Ducky doesn’t recognize him. Erickson does. Seeing both men, Hanson calls it a two-for; he will finally get his revenge on the men who tried to steal what belong to him. He pushes Ziva into the house and closes the door.

Ducky doesn’t understand why he did it; what had they ever done to him. Ducky had tried to steal his soul mate. Erickson had tried to steal his command. But he had been too smart for both of them. He had made a deal with chief the secret police. In exchange for information, the secret police helped him. The original plan was that they would have been killed trying to rescue him and Tessa. When they that failed, secret police told Tessa that the four of them had been killed. They played it up that Hanson had betrayed his country in order to save her life. Ducky asks what happened to Tessa. Tessa was so grateful for him saving her life that she married him; they have lived happily every after with their four beautiful children. Hanson thanks Erickson for stirring up the past. He always felt a little cheated out of revenge. How much fun is it when your victim doesn’t know how much he’s lost? Killing them now will be even sweeter.

Erickson tells him that he won’t get away with it. Why wouldn’t he. The world thinks he’s been dead for forty years. Instead, the world will think Erickson had another break down only instead of just committing suicide; he went on a killing spree before turning the gun on himself. Hanson has Erickson’s gun.

If he is to die, Ducky asks him to tell him where Tessa is. Gibbs walks out from the back of the house, pointing the gun at Hanson. No one has to die. Tony comes in through the front door. Smiling, Hanson looks from Gibbs to Tony to Ducky. “I’ll tell you when I see you in hell.” He shoves Ziva toward Gibbs and shoots himself in the head. Gibbs asks if Tessa’s given name was Theresa. Ducky believe it was, but she hated the name. Gibbs tells Ducky about the family pictures at the General’s house.

Gibbs is driving Ducky, Fornell, and Erickson back to the General’s house. They are passed by two fire trucks. When they arrive, the General’s house is fully engulfed. The bodies of the General and the housekeeper had already taken out; nothing of the structure or contents could be saved. Gibbs promises Ducky that he will help him find out what happened to Tessa. Erickson agrees to help as well; what better ending to the book than the two lovers being reunited.

Operation Home Base: The Next NCIS

OPERATION HOME BASE
Written by
Theresa Chaze

(Operation Home Base is copyrights; no part may be used, stored or reproduced without expressed written permission by the author)

To Read an excerpt of the first draft of the two hour made for TV movie click here

Operation Home Base is a nationwide non profit organization with local chapters that gives support to military families, veterans, wounded warriors, and active duty military personnel by working with existing programs and organizations. Acting as an information hub, OHB works in partnership with the bases’ Dependent Centers to give aid and comfort to military personal and their families while acting as an intermediary not only with other military agencies but with the civilian services. Staffed with active duty and retired military personnel along with the civilians, OHB was created by the combined branches of the services to take care of their own. Their single goal is to fill the voids left by governmental agencies who are unable provide the necessary services and support for all branches of the military.

The Red Cross Liaison assists family members in communicating with military personal through official channels. Using established avenues, the Liaison speeds up the verification process, thereby helping the messages arrive in a timely fashion. In addition, they help arrange transportation across country for the family members whose loved ones have been injured as well as for military personnel during times of family crisis.

Legal Aid --Staffed with both in-service and civilian volunteers, Legal Aid represents military personnel and families both with military and civilian legal issues. Although the representatives works directly with JAG/Provost Marshall/CID/NCIS/local law enforcement, they represent military personnel and their families in all legal issues.

Mental Health Services-Staffed with counseling professionals, they give emotional and spiritual support during times of crisis for active duty, vets, wounded warriors, and family members. Providing help with emotional and spiritual issues that arise from war, they find the necessary care for:

-domestic abuse
-PTSD
-head trauma
-rape crisis
-depression
-personality disorders
-family counseling
-suicide intervention

Unlike the existing services, these Mental Health professionals are both civilian and military, who have the authority to call in to question existing treatment protocol calls from the sandbox to the bases to homes. Civilians work on a situational basis and are granted rank, which is equivalent to their education and experience by the head of OHB.

Domestic Assistance acts an intermediary with local organizations for families in crisis. Every military base has a Dependent Center that helps military families find assistance from civilian organizations. OHB helps find additional resources to help improve the families’ standard of living, while helping vets and wound warriors successful reenter civilian life.

Casualty/mortuary Team-Made up of multi-denominational spiritual councilors as well as senior staff, this team helps the families of vets cope with the injury or death of their loved one. The mortuary team members notify the family members of the death of their loved one as well as helping them make the appropriate burial arrangements. In the case of injury, the casualty team keeps them informed of the status of their loved one and arranges the appropriate transportation.

Veterans Affairs Liaison-Combination political appointee and retired vet with at least ten years of active service, the Liaison helps military personal not only receive the benefits due, but to also fights for additional economic, medical and educational assistance. The position could be best described as the Military’s ambassador to the U.S government.

Financial Aid Officer-The Financial Aid Officer is accountant who finds sources of income from government grants, private donations and fund raising. In addition, this department helps arranges loans/grants through private the government or private institutions for emergency needs.

By combining their talents and resources, Operation Home Base does its best to catch those who would have fallen through the cracks. Sometimes humorous, frequently heart breaking, their stories are those of the U.S military and those who love them. Although intra-service rivalry continues, the branches of the military have come together to protect and provide for their members with the help of their government or in some cases in spite of it.

My first choice for the following roles:
Lorelei Stewart--Gloria Loring
Retired Lt. Colonel Elaine Reynolds--Deidre Hall
Deacon James William--Tom Selleck
Michael Woodsman--Drake Hogestyn
Martin Flying Crow--Graham Greene
Randi Cullen--Alyssa Milano


Master Sergeant Stella Garcia (Casualty/mortuary) Half Potawatomi half Mexican, Stella Garcia is woman in her late 30’s who planned to be a career soldier; however, the IED, which took her left leg, ended her active field duty. The sole survivor of the three vehicle convoy, she suffered from PTSD and depression. Emotionally she couldn’t find the reason for her surviving when rest of her buddies was killed. Using alcohol and sex to numb the pain, she walked through life unable to feel anything while awake. Zombie-like, she settled into her new desk job, yet her dreams were haunted by the spirits of her unit and the others. They asked her why she ran away from her duty--why she allowed their deaths to be in vain. Instead of seeking aid, she hides deeper within the bottle. Her relationships were shallow and temporary; no one was going to get close enough to hurt her again. However, after the death of her maternal grandmother, Stella knew where she needed to go. Going AWOL, she left for the Rez. A Tribal Elder, contacted her Unit Commander and arranged leave. Through ancient ceremonies she not only found the strength to heal and forgive herself, but also finds her new destiny. She became the Wind Talker who spoke for the dead and insured their wishes were fully carried out. Returning to base, she volunteered for Mortuary duty through which she became part of Operation Home Base.

Lorelei Stewart-(Mental Health Director) Lorelei Stewart is a woman in her early-fifties, who started her life as an army brat who married a career officer--Dr. Robert Stewart with whom she had three children-2 boys and a girl. She has Master Degrees in Behavioral Science, Psychology, and Sociology. A published author, she spent her early career working as profiler for the FBI. However, when she met and married career officer Col. Robert Stewart, she moved into private practice until his death during Operation Desert Storm. It was after his death she learned how little support military personal and their families actually received. Determined to use her experiences to help others, she became one of the founders of Operation Home Base. The love of her life Robert Steward left more than emotional and financial void in Lorelei and her children’s life. There were many questions the Army refused to answer. Growing up an Army brat, she was well aware that some questions were never meant to be answered. It was not so easy for her children, especially her daughter, Roberta. Although she has difficulty with helping her children accepting and healing their father‘s death, Lorelei has become part Mother Superior, part Mom and part USO entertainer to those she councils. Whether it be with a wise-crack, singing a song, or with a ruler across the knuckles, she has a unique ability to defuse tense situations that could have easily become violent. Growing up an Army brat, she not only understands the mentality of those who choose to serve, but also the subtext of the messages behind the words. Although it is not part of her normal duties, she arranges for special entertainment features for the troops in the San Diego area as well as else where. On occasion, she has participated as part of the program by singing and acting in comedy skits she helped write.

Lt. Colonel Elaine Reynolds (Financial Aid Officer)-A retired regular army officer in her late 50’s, she is chief financial aid officer for OHB. Half accountant, half weasel, she has able to not only make stingy people take a crowbar to their wallet, but also make sure every buffalo shits twice before the nickel is spent. Whether in the private or government arena, if there is money to be had, she knows how to find it and acquire it. Blonde and beautiful blonde, those who under-estimated her intelligence quickly regret their mistake. Classy by nature when the situation arises, she is not above low blows both physically and verbally. A career officer, mother of two and a wife, Reynolds found a way to balance her career and family needs. Her husband, Larry Reynolds is a police detective. Her daughter Rachael is a junior in college; who does volunteer work for the OHB in the Red Cross office. Her son Mitchell is an active duty marine; his wife Debra and his children live with Reynolds while he is in the sandbox.


Deacon James Williams (Head of OHB and San Diego CA supervisor). Ex special ops, James Williams was nick named Deek soon after he was deployed in Vietnam the summer of 1966. Assigned Recon Intelligence, he worked closely with the Montagnard and the Vietnamese Army. Five years later, he reemerged from his assignment and was immediately air lifted out without any official records of his activities. His military records were sealed except to those with the highest clearance, he occasionally disappears for days without notice or reason. As part of the financial aid agreement with the government, Williams was named as Head of OHB, answering only to the heads of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Pentagon. Charming one minute, deadly the next, Williams is able to accomplish the seemingly impossible. A permanent bachelor, he has many love interests, yet no attachments. He sees the big pictures when it comes to his career and the military, but refuses to get caught up in the messiness of intra-personal relationships. The “companions” who warm his bed at night are never there at dawn. Although there is a great deal of speculation about him, no one really has the courage to ask.


Michael Woodsman (Veterans Affairs Liaison) A political appointee who knows the ins and outs of how and when to kiss ass and when to kick it, Woodsman worked his way up through the political system. His hard edge and cynicism makes him a dangerous opponent, but also a very effective Liaison for the OHB. He is a team player with an us or them mentality. For the us he is a supportive and loyal advocate; the them quickly learn that crossing him was not a pleasant experience for his charm was on a thin façade. A car accident in his late teen, permanently damaged his spine, the physical limitation is a source of great anger as well as being a profound motivator. Although he never served himself, he has great respect for those who do step up to the plate. When Lorelei approached him to help with OHB, he finally found a cause he could believe in. Using his political capital both above board and blackmailing behind the scenes, Woodsman was a major force in opening doors for its creation. In his mind, it is his way of serving those who do serve.

Debra Anne Lee (Red Cross) In her early twenties, this southern bell grew up with seven older brothers most of whom join the military. A martial arts expert in her own right, she is proud of her family heritage that can be traced back to the civil war. Her mother used to say that Debra Anne walked where fools and angels fear to tread and was kicked out for being a smart ass. More moxie and intelligence than common sense, she is willing to take on situations and people that most people run away from. Using the immortality of youth as a shield as well as her passion and natural curiosity, she would con, charm, or connive her way to achieving her goals.


Martin Flying Crow(Domestic Assistance) A full blooded Oneida, Flying Crow enlisted in the Navy to escape the abject poverty of the Rez only to find the destiny his ancestors placed before him Trained by his shaman grandmother, Flying Crow walked the Red Road from childhood. At age 13, he set out on vision quest to learn his life’s path. The Eagle Spirit showed him that he was too destined to be a healer and guide to others. This life was to be one of service to others. He was to teach them the way of spiritual balance. However, in order to lead others, he needed to walk the path himself. Enlisting as a combat medic in the Navy was the first step of many. In Vietnam, he served two tours as a medic with his unit. Although he was not officially allowed to carry weapons, he did not hesitate to defend those in his unit by whatever means necessary. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Deek. Although they met with opposing agendas, they developed a mutual respect for one another both on and off the battlefield. After his tour, he returned to the Rez. Working as Paramedic, he quickly learned how little emotional, spiritual and medical support there was for the military personal, vets and wounded warriors along with their families. Working on a local level out of his garage, he gathered information, contacts and resources, which he used to improve the lives of those affected by war. He gained national attention when he was able to talk a wound warrior out of committing suicide. It was this exposure that brought him to the attention of Lorelei Stuart and Michael Woodsman. Using his template, the three of them created Operation Home Base.


Randi Cullen (Legal Aid) Randi Cullen grew up as Marine brat until her mother divorced her father early in childhood. Eventually her mother remarried and moved across country, taking Randi and her brothers away from the military way of life. After the divorce, her birth father severed contact. He quickly became the elephant in the room that neither she nor her mother was willing to discuss for fear of where it would lead. During her teen years, she tried to contact him; however, she had little success. But she was able to learn that two years before his twenty year retirement, he suddenly resigned his commission and disappeared. Although both of her older brothers enlisted straight out of high school, Cullen both loved and hated the military. She loved the discipline and the service, yet she blamed it for the loss of her father. Following her step father, she joined the San Diego County Prosecutor’s Office and quickly rose in the ranks. She was not only known for her fairness and tenacity, but her out spoken views.

These are the core characters to the series. Supporting characters for the OHB would be added or removed as the series develops. This show will not be anything close to Army Wives. Taken from the headlines as well as from the writer’s imagination, the stories will accurately portray the challenges of military personnel, vets, and wounded warriors along with those their families must face.


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