Building Bridges Through Faith and Film

🌎 From Navy Rescue Pilot to Faith-Focused Filmmaker: Building Bridges Through Service | Roots & Branches of Lehi Highlight ReelWhat does a life of service look like across multiple careers? In this highlight from Roots & Branches of Lehi, Howard Collett reflects on a remarkable journey that spans military aviation, emergency medical transport, publishing, and faith-based filmmaking—all connected by a desire to serve others and bring people together.Growing up in a small town, Howard learned that community extends far beyond family ties. Although both of his parents were professors, he admits he didn't fully appreciate the value of education until later in life. That perspective changed after winning the Vietnam-era draft lottery and choosing to join the Navy, where guaranteed flight training opened the door to an entirely new future. Through discipline and determination, he graduated first in his class and selected Whidbey Island, Washington, where he discovered a passion for search and rescue flying.Howard's commitment to helping others continued after his military service as he helped establish Life Flight programs across the United States, bringing emergency air medical services to communities that needed them most. Recognizing the need for professionals to share knowledge and best practices, he later founded an industry magazine that grew into an international publication with 117 employees and more than 300,000 subscribers across 46 countries.The conversation also explores a major personal transition. After relocating to California, Howard discovered that despite cultural and political differences, most people simply want to care for one another and build stronger communities. Those experiences reinforced his belief that understanding others is the foundation of compassion and meaningful relationships.Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Howard embraced yet another calling: filmmaking. Inspired by timeless values of kindness, integrity, and service, he produced The Good Samaritan, now streaming on Angel, and is currently developing a first-century film set in Morocco. Through authentic storytelling and thoughtful cultural representation, he hopes to inspire audiences to build bridges rather than barriers.📌 Love stories about service, leadership, and the people strengthening communities? Follow for more highlights and full episodes of Roots & Branches of Lehi, brought to you by Work Hard Mortgage.🏡 At Work Hard Mortgage, we believe thriving communities are built by people who invest in others. Like Howard's story, homeownership is ultimately about creating places where relationships, service, and lasting legacies can grow.⸻⏱ Key Moments in This Highlight Reel• 00:00 – Small Town Roots and Community• 00:19 – The Draft and Joining the Navy• 00:44 – A Mindset for Flight Training Success• 00:57 – Becoming a Life Flight Pioneer• 01:17 – Sharing Knowledge Through Publishing• 01:43 – A Leap of Faith to California• 02:05 – Creating The Good Samaritan• 02:43 – Bringing a New Film to Life• 04:04 – Casting and Cultural Authenticity• 05:06 – Leading by Empowering Others• 05:37 – Integrity, Service, and Legacy⸻👣 Related Topics:Military Service • Navy Rescue Pilots • Search and Rescue Aviation • Life Flight Programs • Emergency Medical Aviation • Faith-Based Films • The Good Samaritan • Leadership Through Service • Community Building • Small-Town Values • Storytelling • Roots and Branches of Lehi Podcast • Lehi Utah • Building Strong Communities⸻📲 Take the 60-second Homebuyer Readiness Quiz — link in bio🎧 Full conversation also in bio#RootsAndBranchesOfLehi #WorkHardMortgage #CommunityLeadership #MilitaryService #LifeFlight #FaithBasedFilm #Leadership #Service #LehiUtah #RealStoriesRealPeople