“PRESS RECORD” IS A STUNNING EXAMPLE OF HOW “HISTORY IS NUTRITIOUS.”
A life contained within a phone call
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back story
“PRESS RECORD” is a documentary short produced by Old Guys And Their Airplanes.”
The documentary is centered around a phone call between OGTA producer John Mollison and Vietnam War veteran, Michael O’Neil… and the call’s unexpected turn.
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"What the h*ll??"
Originally, the phone call was to clarify details regarding a blog post to feature John’s artwork of Michael’s combat helicopter.
Unexpectedly, Michael shared an unflinchingly raw story that left John stunned.
Realizing he had the audio recorded on his phone, John wondered, “What the hell do I do with it?!”
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What's next
“PRESS RECORD” had its inaugural public Premiere, in November, 2025. It was a success.
As the film has become somewhat of a conversation-starter on issues of PTS and PTSD, OGTA is looking into other Premiere’s across the country that will include veterans and credible experts in the field.
Plans are being made for additional launches on Streaming services.
If you, your group wants to have an in-person Premiere with Michael, scroll down to the drawing of his Cobra and “Click here.”
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about OGTA
OGTA are a group of media producers and history geeks working to promote the impacts of history, with an emphasis on “old guys who flew/crewed airplanes.”
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about Michael
Micheal O’Neil is a Vietnam War veteran. He flew the wickedly powerful AH-1G “Cobra” attack helicopter.
Michael is also a successful leader in business, veteran affairs, family (52 years to Beverley!) and loves life.
But, it’s been a long road to get here…
(more info on Michael below)
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About YOU.
Think deeply about ‘the History’ in your life. It’s there for wisdom, clarity, and ultimately, your/our benefit.
It will take time to develop the necessary connections, relationships, knowledge and of course, trust.
So, start now.
And when you’re ready,
PRESS RECORD.
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Michael O'Neil, President Emeritus, Distinguished Flying Cross Society
Michael joined the United States Navy at age seventeen and served four years from 1962 through 1966. He joined the United States Army in 1967.
After basic training, Michael graduated from Infantry Officer Candidate School in 1968 as a commissioned Second Lieutenant. He then earned his Army helicopter flight wings in 1969 and transitioned to AH-1G Cobra helicopter. He deployed in February 1970, to D/227 AHB – Lai Khe, 3 Corps Republic of Vietnam and finished his Vietnam tour with F Troop 1/9 Cav.
He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions on 1 May 1970, in the Republic of Cambodia. Michael accumulated 1,250 combat flying hours in the AH-1G Cobra helicopter.
After Vietnam, he deployed to Italy as XO of the 6th Aviation Detachment in Vicenza, Italy. After ten (10) years of service, Michael resigned his commission in 1972, to become a test pilot for the Shah of Iran with Agusta Bell in Tehran, Iran.
Michael returned to the United States in 1975 and attended Worcester State University in Massachusetts. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Studies. During the next 20 years he was an entrepreneur in retail and wholesale businesses.
Michael moved to San Diego, California in 1995 and joined the Distinguished Flying Cross Society in 1996 where he served the Society to preserve and promote stories of DFC recipients.
Michael ran a successful real estate brokerage house in San Diego, CA.
In 2020, Michael moved to Florida with his wife of 52 years, Beverley, where they continue to be lovingly involved with the History around them in the lives of their family, fellow veterans, and community.
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Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) is a normal reaction to a traumatic event. It’s typically short-lived, a couple days to a couple months.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is professionally diagnosed psychiatric condition that results in negative responses to regular life challenges.
In the words of Vietnam War veteran, POW and expert on PTSD, Col Robert Certain (ret), “We all experience PTS. It’s when the D (for dysfunction) manifests itself that the bad stuff really begins.”
PTS and PTSD are not unique to military or first responders, or people in high-stress professions. If you or someone you know is suffering, of course ‘get help!’. Don’t stuff it, trivialize it, judge it or treat without expert care.
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When Mike was flying combat 8,000 miles away, John was a small boy, unable to understand why the adults around him were so upset, “about Vietnam!”
Fifty years later, it’s one of those strange quirks of fate that the two would share the same space in history, with different roles to play.
Even better, the two are now friends.
John - and the entire OGTA production team - are grateful for Mikes’ powerful leadership, ginormous balls, and trust in producing + sharing his story.
