October 27, 2004

Riverside, Ca.-The La Sierra University Department of Modern Languages and Adventist Women for Peace are bringing the award-winning story of Desmond Doss in the film “The Conscientious Objector” Thursday, November 11, Veterans Day. The documentary will be shown at 7:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. at the La Sierra University Alumni Pavilion (4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside, CA 92515). Tickets at $5 adults; $4 for students and seniors; children 8 and under are free. Gabe Videla, executive producer of “The Conscientious Objector” and owner of Special Effects Unlimited in Hollywood, Ca., will introduce and answer questions about the film. Call the La Sierra University Department of Modern Languages at 951-785-2257 for information or visit the web site www.desmonddoss.com.

“The Conscientious Objector” is a 90-minute documentary of a reluctant Conscientious Objector, Desmond Doss. Doss was desperate to serve his country even though his beliefs would not allow him to kill another human being. Refusing the deferment offered to him, Doss trained to become a combat medic. He quickly developed a reputation as once of the most fearless medics in the battles of Guam, Leyte amd Okinawaw. This documentary explores the nature of Doss’s heroism and interviews the survivors of the 77th Infantry Division who witnessed Doss’s actions as well as his rescues. For the first time in 56 years, some of the men reunite with their humble medic on the very soil of his amazing story, the Maeda Escarpment in Okinawa, Japan.

The documentary is produced and directed by Terry Benedict. Benedict has 15 years experience in the entertainment industry, seven as an assistant director and production manager and three years as a production supervisor. He wrote, produced and directed the Cabin Fever Entertainment film “Painted Hero”, which won the “Best Indie Dramatic Feature.” He has also directed live theater productions.

“This film promised to be a lasting testament of his valor and an inspirational message to all Americans. I consider Desmond Doss a valuable friend and a human treasure to our country,” Senator Max Cleland, United States Senate.