We’ve spent the last few months coming across the saying, “Doing well while doing good.” over and over again and, well, I don’t believe in coincidences.
First, a quick team update.
We recently returned from a week-long event in Washington D.C. where we celebrated the graduation of our newest assistant editor, Madeline Muralles, from Savannah College of Art and Design. We were also able to pay tribute to her father, SFC Marcus Muralles, in Arlington – a humbling experience for us all. Madeline put together some brief thoughts on the trip below.
Hey y’all,
Madeline here to write about something exciting in my journey through the world of storytelling at Poor Bear.
Last weekend, Jake invited me to travel with him to DC for a special event in what would be my first work trip. It was something that I was only told about a few days before, but I had nothing planned for that weekend, so why not?
On the day we arrived at National Airport in DC, we met up with our team producer, Jhoel, who took us to visit Xelevate in Virginia, where we had a calm social gathering with many from the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and other organizations, before heading to dinner at “Boardwalk” on the Wharf and, finally, to our hotel for some much needed rest.
The next day was the most important- we had a lot planned. First, we got a team breakfast at a diner before heading to Arlington National Cemetery, where we got to visit my dad, SFC Marcus V. Muralles, in addition to producing a special interview for a fellow SOWF recipient who was visiting her parents there as well. After that, we stopped for a smoothie and rested for a bit before the big concert- which was quite exciting despite me not usually being a fan of concerts. The best part was meeting new people and forming connections with them, and enjoying some good Mission BBQ!
Since Jake had to fly home early on Sunday, the hotel was kind enough to hold my bags while I explored the DC area, as I am a huge fan of walkable cities and public transit. In the evening, I went to get my bags and got to experience using the metro to ride to the airport for my flight back home in the evening. Flying is often a hassle for me, but I managed to make it home safe that night!
Overall, this trip was a great experience. Just the ability and opportunity to be able to visit different places and tell all kinds of cool stories made me excited and proud to be part of the Poor Bear team, crafting and producing stories all over the globe.
Hopefully on my next trip I’ll get to take the Amtrak, as I’ve always wanted to take the train to travel to places!
Thank you all for taking the time to read about how such a trip sparks my hopes to be able to travel around more to tell the best stories.
Madeline out.
Celebrating Madeline’s graduation and watching her sit by her father’s grave in Arlington was a heartwarming experience. I’ve known of the Muralles family since 2005 after my dad passed perished during the same operation as their beloved Marcus Muralles. Now that we are all grown up and by God’s grace work together – I couldn’t help but feel the wonder of the world and truth of the verse, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Now, “doing well while doing good.”
We have dedicated more and more of our time at Poor Bear Stories to non-profit causes in the military and DoD space over the last year. From the Alpha 5 Project to No Greater Sacrifice’s “Bootcamp” event and Shawn’s Trek to Tribute for Legacies Alive – it’s been a very busy close to the year and fulfilling, to say the least.
The team has invested themselves wholeheartedly to these key efforts and more. We have invested our blood, sweat and tears and I firmly believe the return on investment will pay dividends for many years to come.
I would like to praise some of our key team members who collectively ensured the success of our stories and overall impact for our partners and their initiatives. First, Madeline, whose performance has mirrored that of a rockstar since her start this past June. Second, Robert, who has not only changed our capabilities as a whole since his start in April, but has continuously and relentlessly poured himself into every project. There’s Ana (Mica), who has not only streamlined our own marketing efforts but is now adding her insight and expertise to our partners and their impact. Lastly, Jhoel, who has made so many of our stories over the last year possible, we truly would not have been able to cover as much ground without him.
Our team works relentlessly with fervent ambition to highlight each of our patrons through the best medium we know – video production and storytelling. We’ve made a massive difference for so many this year and I am beyond proud and grateful to serve alongside them.
My responsibilities as Creative Director have changed and my job is increasingly focused on ensuring the stability and well-being of our team and collective effort.
As we look ahead in to 2024, I can confidently say we do not plan on changing our direction and how much we dedicate our efforts to serving causes we care about, as a matter of fact, I intend on doubling many of our benevolent efforts.
We thank all of you who have supported us and our growth this year – from the bottom of our hearts.
