Fueled by the Fallen founder Kevyn Major Howard never served in the military. He has 31 film and television acting credits and is perhaps most recognized for his role as combat photographer “Rafterman” in the iconic Stanley Kubrick Vietnam war film “Full Metal Jacket”.
We spend some time discussing the films production and the experience of working with greats like Kubrick and R. Lee Ermey.
Because of his role in Full Metal Jacket, Kevyn was invited to visit the Twenty Nine Palms Marine Base. During a tour of the base, he was drawn to a memorial for Lance Corporal Torrey L. Gray. Gray threw himself on a grenade to save his fellow Marines. When Kevyn returned home, he felt compelled to do something to assure that he and other Americans never forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
He decided to adorn his 1963 Chevy Nova race car with the rank and name of every Marine killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. He then produced additional cars for all the other branches as well. He specifically chose the canvas of automobiles because “With a race car you can attract the attention of a two year old on up to a ninety two year old.”
Kevyn was then moved to create five Camaro “Angel Cars” to memorialize all the victims of the 9/11 attacks. The Angel Cars have done three cross country awareness tours and even been placed at the feet of the Statue of Liberty.
In addition to raising awareness all across the country, his Fueled by the Fallen Foundation also grants scholarships to children of the fallen.
Kevyn is known as the “King of the Hollywood Head Shot” and specializes in producing head shots for aspiring actors when he is not acting himself. He is currently working on producing a television series that will honor various military heroes and tell their stories
TAKEAWAY: “My family does not take lightly what the cost of freedom is.”
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:52 — 9.1MB)