Paul Hunsberger interned at Tahoma National Cemetery

Paul Hunsberger served for over 27 years as a Chaplain in the US Army.

He served at D-Day in World War II, in the Korean War, and in the Vietnam War.

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Warren Christopher - Secretary of State, Friend to John Myers

Warren Christopher with Director RJ McHatton

It was a sunny day in Century City. I was there at the headquarters of the famous law firm O’Melveny & Myers to interview Warren Christopher for my documentary “Flying Man: Life and Times of Johnny Myers.” Warren Christopher is the former Secretary of State under President Bill Clinton, and a man who has dedicated his life to service. Warren Christopher knew Johnny Myers for many years. They both were members of the Sunset Club and both had worked for O’Melveny & Myers. Warren told me some great stories about Johnny Myers. Warren felt that Johnny Myers represented the Walter Mitty in every attorney because he lived such an adventurous life, even though he started as an attorney. Warren told me the history of the O’Melveny and Myers law firm. He told me about how Johnny Myers’ father was Supreme Court Justice in California who went partners with O’Melveny to create one of the nation’s most successful and prestigious law firms. Warren Christopher told me the story about how John Myers became the nation’s first entertainment attorney, representing many famous Hollywood actors including George Murphy and Bing Crosby. He talked about how Johnny’s passion for flying led him to become the Chief Test Pilot for Lockheed, then going over to Northrop for the P-61 and the Flying Wing. Johnny Myers was one of the only test pilots who worked for both Lockheed and Northrop at the same time. Warren talked about how he and Johnny Myers enjoyed great friendship and experiences as members of the Sunset Club. He talked about how Johnny Myers had such a contagious laugh. In the later years, Johnny Myers would still come by the office sometimes. One time John Myers did a slideshow of his flying exploits for the O’Melveny & Myers team. Warren talked about how even today new hire attorneys are told about the history of the firm, about the two founders and their values and integrity, and also about the fun and exciting adventures of Johnny Myers. Warren talked about the courage and character of his friend John Myers. Warren talked about how John Myers was a man with strong values, like his father. Warren talked about the sense of humor or John Myers. He told the story about John Myers was flying once with this very heavy set lawyer and they were flying from the East Coast to the West Coast. Evidently the plane was having trouble making it over the Rocky Mountains with such a heavy load, so John Myers dropped off the lawyer and had him take a train or bus to the other side of the Rockies where he picked him up and on they went on their journey. I really enjoyed meeting Warren Christopher and appreciate him taking the time to talk about John Myers.

Cam Green & John Rubino interview - Green/Rubino PR

Cameron Green, Director RJ McHatton, and John Rubino

 I really enjoyed my interview with Cameron Green and John Rubino of the PR firm Green/Rubino.  I was interviewing them for the Puget Sound Business Journal video about their nomination as one of the “Best Workplaces” in the State of Washington.  John and Cameron are a great team.  One is a numbers guy (John) and the other is a writer-creative guy  (Cam).  They seem to have a winning combination.  One of the great moments during our interview was when Cameron talked about the importance of writing skills.  He said that his advice for a future CEO is to make sure to focus on writing skills.   I could tell that John and Cam are great leaders because they kept talking about values and character and integrity.

Chuck Grouws, CEO of CHG Building Systems

Chuck Grouws with Director RJ McHatton

I drove down to Renton to interview Chuck Grouws of CHG Building Systems.  CHG had reached the finals of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s annual “Best Workplaces” Award.    I was immediately impressed by Chuck Grouws.  He had a great handshake and looked me in the eye.  Chuck seemed like an old-style business owner who made friends for life.  Chuck did a super job in his interview.  He talked about how he started the business over 30 years ago and some of the simple fundamental secrets to his success.  He said that he believes hiring good people and treating them nice was very important.  He said that backing his word and backing his work was the backbone to a successful business.  Chuck talked about how some of his team has been with him all these years.  One family had six members work for CHG.  Chuck talked with pride about a lot of the projects CHG has worked on over the years.  He also was proud that his sons had joined him in his business.  Chuck talked about the benefits his employees receive when they work there, including all the usual items like insurance, 401ks, etc.  But I really liked the annual fishing trip to Alaska benefit that four employees get each year.  Chuck told me that he really believes in his focus on the values of integrity and ethics and doing the right thing.  I really enjoyed my visit with Chuck Grouws.  He reminds me a lot of my dad and how emphasis on values still can work in today’s business world.

Mike, David, & Anika from Projectline

Mike Kichline, David Jones, Anika Lehde, with Director RJ McHatton

It was a sunny, warm day as I ventured over to the Projectline offices in Seattle. I was there to interview the top leadership team of Mike, David, and Anika, the founders of Projectline, for the Puget Sound Business Awards for their “Best Workplaces in Washington Award.” Projectline is a Marketing and Advertising firm. I was very impressed with the enthusiastic team and their laid back offices. Once we sat down for the interview I learned that there is way more to this story than I anticipated. Mike, David, and Anika are incredible leaders with a deep passion for creating a fun workplace, where creative people can be creative and supported by the entire team. We did our interview in a room with a foosball table, kitchen, and big red couches. I learned that Projectline is a very successful company that has been recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the USA by INC Magazine. They have over 100 employees, but the company still feels like a family anda team of friends. I really enjoyed my visit with Mike, David, and Anika and appreciate their hospitality.

Jim Rogers, Alex Bogaard, Tracy Johnson of Rogers & Norman Insurance

Jim Rogers, Alex Bogaard, Tracy Johnson, and Director RJ McHatton

I really enjoyed my interview with the team over at Rogers & Norman Insurance of Seattle. They were nominated as one of the very Best Workplaces in the state of Washington. Tracy Johnson is a bundle of energy and enthusiasm and she really set a positive tone for our interview. She is an awesome leader who goes the extra mile to help inspire her team to make each employee have a fun place to work. Jim Rogers was very philosophical about the importance of the Core Values of the team, that everyone be treated as we each would like to be treated. Jim talked a lot about how its vital to hire good people with integrity and character. Alex Bogaard reinforced how important the Culture was to the success of the organization. I learned a lot.

Dave Lockwood Memorial - Tumble Creek, Cle Elum

Dave Lockwood is the little boy in this picture

I got the call that Dave Lockwood had passed away in a terrible accident near Roosevelt Lake in Northeastern Washington. Dave was a very well known builder-outdoorsman in Snoqualmie Pass and Suncadia Resort. His family contacted me to see if I could prepare a professional Memorial Video and also to record the actual event and to interview several people who knew Dave. Dave Lockwood was one of those unique individuals who seem to touch so many people who do not know each other. Dave led a full life, from Michigan to Texas to Washington. A successful businessman, more importantly he was a successful human being. It is very inspiring to learn the story behind this man.

Joe Cargile - Spanish Voice Over Recording

Joe Cargile records Spanish Voice Over for Director RJ McHatton

Joe Cargile is an intern visiting from Auburn, Alabama, helping Cathy Crosslin with her new company InStar Performance. Once we heard that Joe had spent a year in Spain, we recruited him to record a Spanish-language Voice Over for a series of videos from a seminar by nationally known motivational speaker, Gordon Graham. I first met Joe’s father when I went back to Saginaw, Michigan to interview several employees and managers at Plant 6 of Delphi Steering. Joe’s father Curt was one of those I interviewed there in Saginaw. Joe turned out to be an awesome speaker in the Spanish-language, so the recording sessions went well. We shot four hours worth of Spanish language with Joe. Next stop is the actual editing of the language tracks into the video footage.

Tom Jones - former CEO of Northrop, Lifelong Friend to Johnny Myers

Director RJ McHatton with Tom Jones

Tom Jones was very clear. He did not want to talk about anything where he wasn’t actually there. Tom said that he would be happy to talk about John Myers because he was a “Friend for Life.” Tom Jones has led a very interesting life, including many years as CEO of Northrop Grumman. But today we were there to interview Tom about his good friend Johnny Myers for our new documentary “The Flying Man–The Life and Times of Johnny Myers.” I was hoping that Tom would be able to give us some insight into Johnny Myers’ years working for Northrop. But it is easy to forget that Johnny Myers lived to be way over 90 years old. Tom really didn’t want to talk about those days. He wanted to talk about John Myers, the man. Tom said that he couldn’t pinpoint the first time he met John Myers because he seemed that they had lived their whole life as friends. John and Tom were in many clubs and organizations together. We talked about how John used to go to the Country Club a lot but that he did not play golf. John wanted to see his friends. Tom talked about how much John loved his wife Lucia. He said that Lucia was a beautiful and wonderful wife to John Myers. Tom told me some great stories about John Myers and how he was truly a remarkable human being. Tom said that John Myers was a gentleman, a person with impecable integrity and strong will. Tom said that John Myers was the kind of man you looked up to, someone who always had a great attitude about life and was always looking for ways to help others. I could tell that Tom Jone was a life-long friend of John Myers and that they both had some common traits – including kindness and respect for others. I really enjoyed my interview with Tom Jones. He is a real nice man.

Eric Rhoads - Personal Jet and Helicopter Pilot for Johnny Myers

Director RJ McHatton with pilot Eric Rhoads

Eric Rhoads

Eric Rhoads is a lucky guy. He was hired to be the personal jet and helicopter pilot for the legendary aviator and businessman Johnny Myers. We drove down to Redondo Beach to meet with Eric for our new documentary “The Flying Man” about the Life and Times of Johnny Myers. Eric sat down and started grinning as he remembered “Myers” as he called him. Eric first met John Myers about three years before he died, when Eric was hired to be his pilot. Over the years they became good friends. Eric said that his life was changed for the better because of the wisdom and character and integrity he learned from John Myers. Eric said that “Myers” was a “hand-shake” type of a guy. Someone who was bigger than life, someone who once he became your friend, you could count on being a friend for life. Eric talked about John’s love for the outdoors and for his dog Gus. He told great stories about flying with John Myers and Gus. He said that John Myers might not be well known in the general population community, but that among the pilot friends he knew, John Myers was a true to life hero. Eric said that everywhere he went, he saw how people lit up with enthusiasm when they met John Myers. Eric said that John was well respected among people all around the world. Eric talked about when he flew with John to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. when they introduced the P-61 Black Widow Night Fighter that John Myers was the original test pilot. He talked about the man he was fortunate to call friend. Eric talked about his many tripw with John Myers up to the Flying M Ranch in Merced, where John ran a real cattle ranch. He said that John Myers loved cattle and ranching. We talked about John Myers love for boating up at Big Bear and his joy for driving fast cars. Overall Eric kept talking about the wisdom and integrity and character of John Myers. He talked about the good friendships that John Myers had built up over a lifetime well into his 90s. He talked about the last time John Myers flew a helicopter and how thrilling it was to see the master fly it perfectly. I could tell that Eric enjoyed his time with John Myers and that he would never forget the lessons he learned from that tall man with the dog.

Paul Kim - architect, brother of Dr. Luke Kim

Dr. Luke Kim, Grace Kim, Paul Kim, and RJ McHatton

We drove down to Seal Beach to connect with Dr. Luke Kim and his beautiful wife Grace. We were looking forward to a wonderful dinner with the Kims and also to interviewing Luke’s younger brother Paul Kim. Paul was to give us an interview as part of my production of the Video Biography of Dr. Luke and Grace Kim.

Paul gave me a terrific interview. He talked about his childhood in Korea during the Korean War and how his family became refugees. He told me the horrific tale of the kidnapping and murder by the Communists. Paul also talked about how his older brother Luke helped lead his brothers and sister to safety during the war. Today Paul is a well-respected architect.

One of the best parts of Paul’s interview was when he talked about how his brothers and sister would all sing together. He talked about how when his family was walking miles and miles to the South to escape the tyranny of the oncoming Communist forces, that he and his family sang hymns, songs to keep them together. It is remarkable how music has been so important to the lives of so many people. The courage and tenacity of the Kims inspires me. Every time I meet with Grace Kim I feel determined that I need to do more to help others. Grace and Luke show me how each of us can make a difference in other people’s lives. I first met Luke and Kim about five years ago when I was making my documentary “SHip of Miracles” about the Hungnam evacuation during Christmas 1950 in Korea. The Kims were there when 100,000 refugees were saved by the American and UN forces. Luke and Grace are extra proud these days. Their son David just went back to Washington DC. David was appointed to a very high position in President Obama’s Department of Transportation.

It was another wonderful evening with the Kims. Thanks Paul Kim for letting me interview you for your brother’s Video Biography.

Bill Tilley - Friend of Johnny Myers

RJ with Bill Tilley

The GPS on my cell phone said to turn right and go up the hill. The road was narrowing and very windy all the way up to the top and the view became incredible. We were on our way to meet Bill Tilley, one of the last people to see Johnny Myers before he died. I would say that Bill Tilley is a Rennasance man. His home is like a castle with a remarkable view. When we arrived, Bill led us to a large room he calls the "Museum" because of all the interesting displays on all the walls. As we set up our cameras and lights and sound equipment we were mesmerized by numerous heads of big game trophies including bears, elk, big horn sheep, and more, way more.

Bill Tilley gave me a terrific interview. He talked about his enduring friendship with Johnny Myers. He looked up to Johnny Myers, not only because Johnny Myers was a tall man, but because he was a great man. Bill Tilley told me some incredible stories of the special moments he had experienced with Mr. Myers over the years. He told me the stories that Johnny had told him about when he knew Howard Hughes, the time Johnny Myers saved the life of Charles Lindbergh, and intriguing tales of Johnny's test pilot days.

Bill also was able to tell me a little about Johnny Myers business career after the war and his philosophies about people. He told me that Johnny Myers really cared for other people. Bill told me about how Johnny Myers was totally in love with his wife Lucia and how they were such a wonderful couple.

Thanks, Bill Tilley, for taking the time to discuss your friendship with Johnny Myers.

Clay Lacy - Interview for "The Flying Man" documentary

Clay Lacy with director RJ McHatton

I drove down to Southern California to do several interviews for my documentary, "The Flying Man: Life and Times of Johnny Myers." I first met Clay Lacy last December when I interviewed him for a short video we made for the "Legends of Aviation" celebration. That time Clay was very kind to me, driving me around his hangars and showing me some of his collection of very cool airplanes.

This time I was dedicated to getting an interview with Clay Lacy, asking him to talk about his good friend Johnny Myers for my new documentary, "The Flying Man."

Clay Lacy is considered as one of the greatest aviators of all time. I have been told several times by several people that Clay has the most hours as a pilot among living aviators. Some say he has over 50,000 hours, some say its over 70,o00. Everyone agrees that Clay Lacy is a nice guy.

During our interview, Clay told some wonderful tales about his longtime friendship with Johnny Myers. He talked about how Johnny Myers saved Charles Lindbergh's life. He told me about the days when Johnny Myers was the courageous test pilot of the P-61 Black Widow Night Fighter and the innovative but super dangerous Flying Wing.

The best stories from Clay Lacy came when he talked about how much Johnny Myers meant to him as a good friend. Over the years they had so many wonderful times together. Clay talked about the qualities of character and integrity that came natural to Johnny Myers.

In the end, I am so grateful for having been able to meet and interview Clay Lacy. He is the man who worked with Bill Lear and the aviator who did a lot of the aerial photography for big movies like "Top Gun" and "The Right Stuff." Clay talked about how pilots are honest people. The more pilots I meet and interview, the more I begin to understand what he means. Men like Clay Lacy are the type of man we look up to and the type of man we need more of. Heroic, courageous, living life to the fullest.

LeRoy Nosbaum -- CEO & Chairman of Itron

LeRoy Nosbaum -- CEO & Chairman of Itron

It was a beautiful day as we drove through Spokane, Washington on our way to Liberty Lakes. We were looking for the Headquarters to Iron, the world's leading producer of electronic meters used by the utilities industries. We had an appointment to interview Chairman of the Board, LeRoy Nosbaum, for our new documentary "CEOs of Seattle."

LeRoy and his team were very hospitable to myself and my crew. The interview went well.

LeRoy was very inspiring in his committment to excellence and his focus on doing the right thing. He told me about the importance of working hard for his investors, his employees, and his customers. LeRoy is a top notch leader who has successfully moved his company into huge positive growth over the years. I learned alot during my interview with LeRoy Nosbaum.

You can learn more about our new documentary "CEOs of Seattle" at www.ceosofseattle.com

Andrea Heuston - CEO of Artitudes Design

Andrea Heuston - CEO and Founder of Artitudes Design Inc.

I really enjoyed my interview with Andrea Heuston, the CEO and founder of Artitudes Design. 

She is a fantastic leader who is breaking all records for referral business.  I have interviewed some of her clients and they cannot stop talking about Andrea and her team.  The Artitudes Design office seems like such a fun and creative place to work.  Everyone there was having a great time and they were laughing, too.  

Ben Wiener - The History of the Generic Drugs Revolution

Ben Wiener – Generic Drugs pioneer

I drove down to Vancouver WA to interview Ben Wiener. Ben is a pioneer of the Generic Drugs industry. Back in the late 1940s, Ben began to realize the incredible disparity between the costs and prices of prescription drugs. He began a lifetime quest to bring generic drugs to the American mainstream. Today as Ben looks back at his incredible career, he cannot believe that because of some bad decisions he is broke and the industry he founded is positively impacting every American family. This interview is just the beginning of a new documentary we are creating about the History of the Generic Drug Industry. The interview with Ben went very well. We talked for almost five hours. I was totally fascinated by the incredible history tales of the birth of Generic drugs, from stories of "patent jumping" to scary scenes of death threats and battles with the FDA. Ben is a very interesting fellow with a remarkable story. We are working now to put together a proposal we can show investors to really do this film as a major motion picture for national distribution.

Greater Nashville Association of Realtors

Here is the final version of the video we made for the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors and The Pacific Institute.