Award winning Producer Joel M. Gonzales Bypasses Hollywood, Honors Veterans through ‘Firewatch’

Newsroom

Gonzales partners with Burn Pits 360, Grunt Style to launch independent rollout of seriesLOS ANGELES, TX, UNITED STATES, November 5, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Award-winning producer Joel M. Gonzales of Untold Content Group has joined forces with Burn Pits 360 and Grunt Style to launch a national fundraising campaign for his upcoming documentary series, “Firewatch.”

Prior to this project, Gonzales’ developed and co-produced the 2023 SXSW Spotlight Audience Choice winning film, “The Long Game,” starring Dennis Quaid and Jay Hernandez.

In an effort to bypass traditional Hollywood distribution and ensure Firewatch reaches audiences nationwide, Gonzales and his partners are taking the film’s rollout into their own hands. The goal: to bring this story directly to the public — and to make sure its message is seen and felt where it matters most.

To do that, they are launching the Firewatch Finishing Fund Campaign, running from Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11) through Giving Tuesday (Dec. 2), aiming to raise $100,000 for final licensing, marketing, and outreach efforts that will fuel the film’s 2026 independent city-to-city premiere and digital release.

Firewatch explores the fight for accountability in America’s toxic exposure crisis, following the veterans, advocates, and lawmakers whose relentless efforts — led by Rosie and Le Roy Torres of Burn Pits 360, along with Susan Zeier, Tim Jensen of Grunt Style, Jon Stewart, and Jon Feal — helped drive the passage of the PACT Act and continue to push for reform— underscoring that while progress has been made, the fight is far from over.

Supporters can join the movement at givebutter.com/standfirewatch.

Contributions credited to Burn Pits 360 will direct 10% of donations back to the nonprofit to support continued advocacy for veterans and their families. Organizations, schools, and veteran groups can also form fundraising teams, raising funds not only for Firewatch but also for their own charities or causes. A matching fund sponsorship is being developed to double campaign impact.

“Firewatch is more than a film — it’s a movement,” Gonzales said. “It’s a tribute to those who fought not only in uniform but for justice. Working alongside Burn Pits 360 and Grunt Style brings together storytelling, service, and action for a cause that truly matters. Together, we’re making sure their fight — and their voices — are never forgotten.”

As part of the partnership, Grunt Style will assist with nationwide media and community outreach to engage veterans and supporters. Organizations and individuals will also have the opportunity to host 20-minute preview screenings and discussions throughout November.

###

About “Firewatch”
Firewatch is the true story of a grassroots movement born around the Torres’ family kitchen table in small-town Texas, that echoed through the halls of Congress, demanding justice for veterans poisoned by toxic exposure — ultimately leading to the passage of the PACT Act, one of the most transformative veterans’ care reforms in modern history, holding negligence accountable and honoring those who sacrificed long after the battles ended. Watch the Firewatch Trailer.

About Joel M. Gonzales and Untold Content Group
Joel M. Gonzales is an award-winning producer and founder of Untold Content Group, a film and media company dedicated to socially conscious storytelling that amplifies underrepresented voices that unite advocacy and entertainment to inspire change. He developed and co-produced the feature film The Long Game, which premiered at SXSW, won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Spotlight Film, and ranked #1 on Netflix worldwide in 2024 for three consecutive weeks.

About Burn Pits 360
Founded by Rosie and Le Roy Torres, Burn Pits 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocacy, awareness and accountability for veterans and families affected by toxic exposure. Learn more at BurnPits360.org.

About Grunt Style
Grunt Style is a patriotic apparel brand dedicated to supporting military, veteran and first responder communities through apparel, advocacy and national awareness campaigns. Learn more at GruntStyle.com.

Kalen Cotto
Public Relations, Firewatch Campaign
+1 401-626-0468
email us here

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

Link Article: https://www.einpresswire.com/article/864600563/award-winning-producer-joel-m-gonzales-bypasses-hollywood-honors-veterans-through-firewatch

Burn Pits 360 Invites Public to Attend Hearing in Texas Department of Public Safety v. Capt. Le Roy Torres

Newsroom

Burn Pits 360 invites the public to attend a pivotal court hearing in the case of Texas Department of Public Safety v. Capt. Le Roy Torres.ROBSTOWN, TX, UNITED STATES, October 23, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Burn Pits 360, a national nonprofit advocating for veterans exposed to toxic hazards, is inviting the public to attend a pivotal court hearing in the case of Texas Department of Public Safety v. Capt. Le Roy Torres.

The hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, before the Fifteenth Court of Appeals at the University of Texas School of Law’s Connally Center for Justice in Austin. The session will take place in the Eidman Courtroom, Room 2.306, located at 727 E. Dean Keeton St.

The case centers on Capt. Le Roy Torres, a retired U.S. Army Reserve officer and Texas State Trooper who became seriously ill after being exposed to toxic burn pits while deployed in Iraq. After being denied reasonable workplace accommodations, Torres and his wife, Rosie Torres, co-founded Burn Pits 360, a national organization that played a leading role in the passage of the Honoring Our PACT Act, which expands health care and benefits for millions of veterans affected by military toxic exposure.

“This is more than a legal case — it’s about justice for thousands of veterans who came home sick from their service and were met with indifference,” said Rosie Torres, executive director and co-founder of Burn Pits 360. “We invite the public, veterans and supporters to stand with us in the courtroom as we continue the fight to protect those who protected us.”

The outcome of the appeal could have far-reaching implications for veterans’ employment protections and the recognition of service-connected illnesses nationwide.

“This case represents every service member who has been told their sacrifice didn’t matter,” said Capt. Le Roy Torres, co-founder of Burn Pits 360. “We carry the voices of those who can no longer fight for themselves — and we won’t stop until justice is served.”

The court has announced that oral arguments will be open to the public and broadcast live on the Fifteenth Court of Appeals’ YouTube channel. Public parking will be available at the San Jacinto Garage (SJG), with access to the Connally Center for Justice from Level 3.

Location / Viewing Details
Case: Texas Department of Public Safety v. Le Roy Torres
Court: Fifteenth Court of Appeals, State of Texas
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 — 1:30 p.m.
Eidman Courtroom (Room 2.306) | Connally Center for Justice, University of Texas School of Law | 727 E. Dean Keeton St., Austin, TX 78705
Parking: San Jacinto Garage (SJG), Level 3
Livestream: Fifteenth Court of Appeals YouTube Channel

About Burn Pits 360
Founded by Capt. Le Roy and Rosie Torres, Burn Pits 360 is a Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advocacy, research and direct support for veterans and service members exposed to toxic hazards during military service. Through its Captain Le Roy Torres Warrior Support Center in Robstown, Burn Pits 360 provides trauma-informed care, case management and policy advocacy to improve health outcomes for those affected by toxic exposure. For more information, visit www.burnpits360.org.

Kalen Marie Cotto
KMC Digital for Burn Pits 360
+1 401-626-0468
email us here

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

Link Article: https://www.einpresswire.com/article/860878855/burn-pits-360-invites-public-to-attend-hearing-in-texas-department-of-public-safety-v-capt-le-roy-torres

Burn Pits 360 Announces 2025 Gala of Valor at the Bullock Texas State History Museum

Newsroom

Featuring Exclusive Preview of FIREWATCH from Co-Producer of Acclaimed Film “The Long Game”

This Gala is about honoring those who served and mobilizing the community to ensure every promise made to our heroes is a promise kept.”

— Rosie Torres, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Burn Pits 360.AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, July 7, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — BURNPITS 360, the nationally recognized nonprofit that championed the passage of the PACT Act, proudly announces its inaugural Gala of Valor: A Tribute to Service & Sacrifice on October 12, 2025, at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin.

“Behind every statistic is a Veteran and a family that refuses to be forgotten,” said Rosie Torres, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Burn Pits 360. “This Gala is about honoring those who served and mobilizing the community to ensure every promise made to our heroes is a promise kept.”

This powerful evening will honor Veterans, Gold Star families, and advocates who fought to secure justice for those exposed to burn pits and wartime toxins. It will also spotlight the ongoing mission to protect the PACT Act, landmark legislation that has helped millions access the care and benefits they earned.

In addition to his toxic exposure advocacy, Captain Le Roy Torres secured a landmark victory for Veterans’ rights with his 2022 U.S. Supreme Court win under USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act) against the State of Texas, affirming that states can be held accountable when they violate federal employment protections for service members. His courage set a precedent protecting military members’ employment rights nationwide.

Guests will experience the journey from the time American soldiers stepped foot in Iraq and Afghanistan to the historic signing of the PACT Act at the White House in 2022. Through powerful storytelling, visuals, and an exclusive film preview, attendees will walk alongside the Veterans and families who turned pain into purpose and built a national movement.

The Gala celebrates 15 years of advocacy, the indomitable spirit of Captain Le Roy Torres and Rosie Torres, and the unwavering partnerships that made historic progress possible. From Jon Stewart, John Feal, and the World Trade Center 9/11 firefighters, to Grunt Style and Veteran organizations nationwide, BURNPITS 360 has united diverse movements under one mission: to fight for those who fought for us.

In 2022, BURNPITS 360 held Fire Watch on the steps of our nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C., for five nights, sleeping outside alongside Veterans and advocates to demand the passage of the PACT Act. Their vigil became a symbol of resilience and a testament to the sacrifices made long after the battlefield.

It is more than a tribute – it is a call to action.

Event Highlights

• Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025
• Location: Bullock Texas State History Museum, Austin, TX
• Time: Texas Toast Reception: 5:30–7:30 PM | Gala & Program: 7:30–10:00 PM
• Exclusive Documentary Screening: 6:30 PM | 20-minute preview of “FIREWATCH: A Burn Pit Story”
• Special Guests: VIP speakers, celebrity advocates, and honored Veterans
• Red Carpet Access & Photo Opportunities

The evening will feature moving testimonials, powerful tributes, and an exclusive preview of “FIREWATCH,” a forthcoming documentary chronicling the grassroots advocacy movement that sparked national change. Produced by Joel M. Gonzales—founder of Untold Content Group and co-producer of the award-winning film The Long Game—the film promises to illuminate the lived realities behind the PACT ACT and the journey it took to get there.

“FIREWATCH is more than a film—it’s a movement,” said Gonzales. “This story belongs to every Veteran who came home changed, every caregiver who stood by them, and every American who believes we must do better.”

Joel Gonzales’ past work on The Long Game—a celebrated true story of perseverance, racism, and triumph through sport—captured national attention for its rich storytelling and historical impact. With FIREWATCH, he turns his lens toward another deeply American struggle: the war that followed our service members home.

Link Article: https://www.einpresswire.com/article/828549181/burn-pits-360-announces-2025-gala-of-valor-at-the-bullock-texas-state-history-museum

Women Veterans Engage invites women veterans for day of networking, resources in Central Texas

Newsroom

KMC Digital partners with Women Veterans Alliance to support local women veterans during this inaugural eventBELTON, TX, UNITED STATES, May 13, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — KMC Digital to serve as a local host for the 2025 Women Veterans Engage event on Saturday, May 31 at Vintage Church Harker Heights.

Presented by Women Veterans Alliance, a national network focused on directly impacting the overall well-being of women veterans, this event will be from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and includes a live broadcast with Joyce Abbott, a female veteran and inspiration for award winning television show Abbott Elementary.

“We are very excited to host this year’s event with the theme of ‘Connecting with You Where You Are At,’” said Kalen Cotto, founder of KMC Digital. “This event aims to bring together women in the area and is meant to engage, inspire and motivate attendees. It is open to all female active duty, guard, reserve and veterans.”

This inaugural local event begins at 9:30 a.m. with registration and refreshments at Vintage Church Harker Heights small auditorium (address here). Speed networking and resource tables will be there to help women connect through shared service and build a community that can support one another. The program will conclude by 2:30 p.m.

Tickets for registrations and resource tables are available at https://kmcdigital.regfox.com/wve.

Link Article: https://www.einpresswire.com/article/810928570/women-veterans-engage-invites-women-veterans-for-day-of-networking-resources-in-central-texas

Burrillville Planning Board rejects synthetic turf proposal after legal pushback from Desautel Browning Law

Newsroom

NEWPORT, RI, UNITED STATES, May 8, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — In a major victory for local residents and environmental advocates, the Burrillville Planning Board has unanimously denied a controversial proposal to install a synthetic turf athletic field at the town’s middle school—a decision influenced by legal representation provided by Desautel Browning Law on behalf of abutting property owners.

The proposed project faced intense scrutiny from neighbors and environmental stakeholders due to its potential impacts on the surrounding watershed and the apparent lack of alignment with Burrillville’s Comprehensive Plan. The legal team at Desautel Browning raised concerns regarding procedural compliance, environmental risks, and the project’s inconsistency with local zoning requirements.

“Municipalities are not exempt from the planning and zoning process.”

— Kerin Browning, partner at Desautel Browning Law

“Municipalities are not exempt from the planning and zoning process,” said Kerin Browning, partner at Desautel Browning Law. “Within that process is a required finding that a project must be consistent with the community Comprehensive Plan, the zoning ordinance and it cannot cause substantial harm to the environment. For these reasons, we are glad the Burrillville Planning Board denied the project. We thank the Board for hearing our client’s side.”

Desautel Browning’s legal argument focused on ensuring that all developments—even those initiated by public entities—must adhere to the same legal standards required of private developers. The firm submitted detailed findings that the project failed to meet key criteria outlined in Rhode Island’s Land Development and Subdivision Review Enabling Act.

The ruling sends a strong message about accountability, transparency, and environmental due diligence, particularly when it comes to land use decisions that affect sensitive ecological areas and nearby communities.

This case also demonstrates the important role that legal counsel plays in ensuring that community voices are heard and respected in local planning processes.

Desautel Browning Law will be releasing a recorded interview to further explain the legal framework behind the board’s decision and the broader implications for municipalities and residents across the state.

Find the full ruling here: https://www.burrillville.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif2886/f/uploads/lacey_v._town_of_burrillville_et_al._pc-2024-05161_and_pc-2024-04858.pdf.

Link Article: https://www.einpresswire.com/article/809785916/burrillville-planning-board-rejects-synthetic-turf-proposal-after-legal-pushback-from-desautel-browning-law