About
History:
In June 2009, Jerry Castillo, a USAF veteran and native of Dallas, began to upload weekly episodes of fallen warriors on YouTube. The videos were well received by families, friends and acquaintances. Weekly viewership quickly went from a couple of hundred to several thousand and emails of gratitude, for providing such a service, began to pour in.
He began analyzing the reports provided by YouTube and feedback from viewers to determine the best format. What stood out the most was the public’s desire to grieve on-line. Many viewers included family members unable to travel, acquaintances who were made aware after the fact, and active duty personnel who mourn the passing of a fellow comrade. As the viewership grew the comments confirmed the public’s desire to pay their respects to our fallen warriors.
Not only did the audience grow, but it began to include viewers from all over the globe who desired to learn about American patriotic customs. The major viewership of USF videos is 80% American, 4.5% Spain, 3.4% Canada, 2.9% Germany, and 1.3% UK. Viewers are 65% male and 45% female, and the age group make up is 80% 35-65 year olds.
In August 2009 while compiling data on fallen soldiers he discovered one had lived in his own neighborhood. This had a profound effect on how Castillo viewed fallen soldiers. He attended the public viewing and saw members of the Patriot Guard Riders for the first time, as they lined the entryway to the funeral home. He approached the family and offered condolences and asked if they would mind if he filmed the funeral services the next day. They were happy that someone was willing to memorialize their son. Within a few weeks more soldiers from North Texas were KIA and Castillo began filming their homecomings and interment ceremonies.
In October 2009 Castillo began to design an entire network on-line including a website to showcase his videos and memorial photos of the fallen. This marketing strategy led to private donors, a sizable fan base, and nominations for Motorola/Mashable 2009 Open Web Awards for Best On-line Series and Best YouTube Channel. In five months, USF went from an idea to a popular resource on Google for videos, photos and postings of American fallen soldiers and notable veterans.
Non-profit military related organizations reached out to Castillo for assistance in exchange for pledges and donations. Below is a partial list of current partnerships;
Ft. Sam Houston- US Army base located in San Antonio, TX service provided: film and edit interment and memorial ceremonies for Capt. Pena (Jan 2010) and Col. Robert Howard (Feb 2010).
Vietnam Veterans of America – Waco chapter, service provided: produce Public Service Announcement, and consult on public affairs for a public event To Remember Is To Honor and Rolling to Remember (May 2010) at Waco’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Texas National Foundation – organizes special events at Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery, service provided: film and edit Memorial Day (May 2010) and Veterans Day (Nov 2010) ceremonies.
Patriot Guard Riders – Texas chapter, service requested: public affairs and social media services for national annual event (Sep 2010) Gathering of the Guard 2010 – Ft. Hood in Killeen, TX.
Civil Air Patrol – Crusader Composite Squadron, service requested: film and edit annual event (Dec 2010) Wreaths Across America ceremonies at DFW National Cemetery.
Founders Bio 
Jerry Castillo founded USF, as a result of the recent financial collapse, and his former employer had to make cut backs. Having worked in the corporate environment for over 30 years he knew with the current state of the economy, his chances of getting hired by a corporation were slim to none. Rather than sit around and wait for things to happen he knew he needed to launch a new career.
Coming from a family history of military service he decided to explore the subject. Research revealed mainstream media devotes little airtime to our fallen troops unless controversy exists. This disappointment made Castillo determine to provide fallen soldiers on a national level a standard of recognition that they all deserve by producing a weekly video that lists the names, pictures and the circumstance of their death and post them on the internet as a public service.
His background includes 15-years in the hospitality industry and 17-years in the business outsourcing industry, have prepared him to manage a team of individuals who share his desires to promote dignity, honor and respect for our fallen warriors and notable veterans.
For more information please submit an email form here.
