“After Ike” retraces Lt. Col. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s pivotal 3,251-mile journey from Washington to San Francisco along the Lincoln Highway in 1919. This experience shaped his vision for U.S. highways that profoundly impacted small-town America and communities of color. The 60-minute film delves into the convoy’s challenges and transformative effects.
Director Biography – Gregory F Maassen, Michael S. Owen
Dr. Gregory F. Maassen is a multimedia, strategic digital marketing, videographer, and award-winning manager with over 23 years of experience, including 18 years of senior management experience with the IFC/World Bank and USAID.
He founded Wandel Guides LLC, the documentary production company. He is a Fulbright scholar with a Ph.D. in business administration with a keen interest in automotive travel history. In 2022, Gregory embarked on a 4,685-mile cycling journey, tracing the 1919 convoy’s route with an e-bike. Over four months, he raised nearly $180,000 for charity and filmed segments for “After Ike,” following in Eisenhower’s “footsteps.”
Gregory is currently working on a series of historical travel documentaries.
Michael S. Owen – Director – Author After Ike
Michael S. Owen is a retired US Ambassador. During his 30 years as a Foreign Service Officer, he worked in numerous countries across Africa and Asia. Now that he’s back home, he enjoys traveling around the United States and has driven over the Lincoln Highway several times. He has published several stories in literary journals.
The documentary is based on Michael’s book After Ike, which details the Transcontinental Military Motor Convoy and its role in Eisenhower’s later thinking regarding mobility in the United States. His work was featured on C-Span History (www.c-span.org/person/?122561/MichaelOwen).
Director Statement
A story that deserves to be told.
In “After Ike: A Journey That Changed America,” we explore the profound impact of the 1919 Transcontinental Motor Convoy, led by a young Lt. Col. Dwight D. Eisenhower. This historic journey influenced Eisenhower’s future vision for the United States’ infrastructure, laying the groundwork for the Interstate Highway System. Through this film, we aim to illuminate the lesser-known stories of this expedition, showcasing its effects on America’s landscape, communities, and future.
Our narrative delves into the socio-economic repercussions, personal stories of adventure, and the enduring spirit of progress that this journey symbolized. We invite viewers to witness the transformative challenges and achievements of these pioneers who shaped a critical era of American history.
Trailer
| Gregory F Maassen Director, Producer Michael S. Owen Director Brian McCotter Creative Director |
