Help and Support Project "Island Warrior"

Since 9/11, a wave of citizens from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) have been enlisting in the United States military exceeding military recruiters enlistment quotas and expectations. Nathan Fitch, who served as a Peace Corp volunteer in Kosrae, is currently working on a feature documentary film, “Island Soldier” that tells the stories of young Kosraeans serving in the U.S. armed forces.  

Formerly apart of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, through the Compact of Free Association (COFA), FSM gained independence and established a relationship with the U.S. in 1986. Through the COFA, FSM receives US aid, access to many services, also allowing migrants free access to the US and its territories. Being the newest wave of migrants to the U.S., they remain misunderstood and have become an identifiable group often leaving their contributions, success stories and sacrifices unwarranted and unrecognized.

In Kosrae where the population is relatively small, a significant proportion of young Micronesians with military interests are signing up to work for Uncle Sam in search for a better employment and educational opportunities. The documentary centers on the reality of various members of the Nena family, that shares their personal stories of how their experiences with the military have marked and shaped their lives.

While young Micronesians are immersed in all aspects of military life -- undertaking certain military tasks may carry grave risks in which fatality rates are one of the highest for Micronesians than anywhere else in the U.S. per capita.

To help raise funds for Fitch and his film crew to continue with production as funding is one of the undeniably biggest obstacles getting any film over ground, your support through Kickstarter will enable them to bring to screen a story that reflects the potentially heavy price and impact of citizens from a small and yet young Nation who have served and are currently serving in the U.S. military.

For the trailer for this project and to help raise funds, CLICK HERE