Behind the Scenes Feature, Our Military Community

The first episode of “Our Military Community” aired on October 26, 2023, through Gulf Coast State College. This series gives voice to our local military. Hosted by Jerry Tabatt, a retired Air Force veteran and former News 13 WNBB meteorologist, this series aims to make military resources more widely known while connecting veterans with active-duty service members and their civilian neighbors along with the civilians they work alongside on bases.

“Our Military Community” is a show featuring weekly episodes that are about 30 minutes long, in which Tabatt sits down with various members of the local military community to bring awareness to all the services and resources available to military families and veterans, many of which don’t even know that help is available to them. The show has introduced a large pool of guests with the combined 23 episodes, including Commander Michael Mosi, an aviator stationed in Panama City. Commander Michael Mosi stated he leads the quality-of-life improvement for warfighters at his installation by providing resources such as large recreational opportunities for service members, including facilities for tennis, pickleball, gyms, and other recreation. His episode really shows the broad scope of responsibilities involved in supporting the morale and well-being of military soldiers.

The production of “Our Military Community” is led by a number of students working behind the scenes, but they are essential to the show’s success. Their dedication and hard work are the backbone of the show’s production, and their assistance is highly valued.

Under the guidance of Seth in Cdr. Micheal Mosi’s Episode, Jason provides audio, Logan runs the cameras, and Tyler is the producer. Seth Johnson (Assistant Coordinator) and Brandon Smith assist the student’s production team, ensuring the technical elements run smoothly. This hands-on experience in live to tape television production provides students with invaluable insight and technical skill development for a future career in media. This show is filmed live-to-tape at the Gulf Coast Welcome Center, lightly edited, and uploaded onto both YouTube and GCSC TV for general viewing. There’s a new weekly episode to keep providing consistent support to local veterans. Of course, this has not happened perfectly in every episode. Seth Johnson states, “Technical problems are the hardest part of producing the show. Occasionally, clocks and audio equipment suddenly malfunction during the shoots.” Despite all these struggles, the commitment to make high-quality content stayed strong, week after week.

Tabatt’s involvement ensures the show hits home with the mind of its target audience to help veterans as much as possible.

His personal experience in the military, as well as his closeness with local resource groups, allows him to bring guests on board that will tell engaging stories and share needed helpful advice. Everything from awareness of existing resources to personal stories, this show gives information that helps both military and civilian audiences. For example, one of the episodes covered the HOPE project, a nonprofit organization committed to helping veterans overcome PTSD and trauma through equine therapy. Veteran rehab is one of the most important subjects for somebody transitioning out of active duty. It has succeeded because of the level of involvement of Gulf Coast State College students. In addition to the practical experience that the students get in media production, their production has rippled among military families in the local area. The loyalty of younger students brings fresh eyes to the production and offers new ideas on how to best represent the challenges that veterans face. The students also gain valuable knowledge of the veteran community and their personal stories. More than a production, “Our Military Community” is an outlet and motivation to connect and ensure that stories and resources for past and present military members are heard and shown. Its impact on the military community throughout Panama City will only help more active and inactive duty veterans have avenues for their mental success.