DAVID C. KNIESS, JR.
DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
David is an award-winning producer with over 20 years of experience working in network television, marketing and advertising. His recent work on the documentary series, The Fighting Season and The Volunteers, earned him 2 prestigious PromaxBDA Awards.
David is actively involved in the Veteran community and has volunteered his time, producing content for Veteran Organizations such as Beteran, Stop Soldier Suicide, John Preston Music, and The Boot Campaign.
The Gift is a personal project for David, who had a chance meeting with Corporal Dunham. That chance meeting led to lifelong friendships with the Dunham family and a core group of Marines from Kilo Company. ​
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David served in the United States Navy as a boatswain’s mate aboard the USS Normandy (CG-60), a guided missile cruiser.
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CHASE PEEL
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Chase Peel is an award-winning producer and show runner, whose credits include Extinct or Alive, Power and Ice, and Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters.
Chase brings a unique sense of storytelling as well as a vast knowledge of field-production and post-production. His experience coupled with his constant thirst for knowledge is a major asset to our team.
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VINCENT VARGAS
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Vincent "Rocco” Vargas was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He served in the United States Army with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
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A highly respected leader in the Veteran community, Vince has devoted much of his time to help educate other Veterans on the issues surrounding post-traumatic stress, TBI, and Veteran suicide. Tune in to hear more on the Vinny Roc Podcast.
A successful entrepreneur, he has launched such brands as Beteran, Leadslingers Whiskey and Warfighter Tobacco. He is also an accomplished author, having written 2 books, Light the Fuse and Sugar Man.
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Vince has written, directed, and produced various projects, including Range 15, The Long Way Back, and Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace. He’s also an accomplished actor and currently plays the role of “Gilly” on the hit FX show, Mayans M.C.
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JOSH TURNBOW
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Josh Turnbow is a veteran filmmaker with a love for crafting compelling stories. He has produced and directed a long list of documentaries including One Life, which was chosen for the coveted AFI Film Festival in 2020. His other credits include The Observed Life, Beacons of Hope, The Sign and American Standoff, which is centered around the armed standoff at Oregon's Malheur Wildlife Refuge in 2016.
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