"Lem: 2 Steps from history"

We are presently in pre-production and the research phase of this project. Alabama Public Television has tentatively given us a green light (subject to final edit) for fall 2010.

The segments shown here are in rough form to show the look and feel of the film. We anticipate traveling to various locations to do additional interviews. Any stock footage shown is from preview reels and is not yet licensed for broadcast but will be purchased for the final project.

This film will tell the story of Thomas "Lem" Johns, now 82 years old, a Birmingham native who exemplifies the attributes of the "Greatest Generation." He has lived an extraordinary life from his service in the military at the tail end of WWII, to his work with the Alcohol and Tax division as a "revenue man" in the 50's. Then, as an agent in the Secret Service during the Eisenhower administration, and as a special agent assigned to Lyndon Johnson. It was in that capacity fate would place him at the Kennedy assassination in November of 1963. He then served the president during his entire presidency where he witnessed one of the most tumultuous and critical times in our history.

Mr. John's experiences are unique, in that he while he was always within a close distance to the historical events occurring during his career, he was neither an advisor, nor a participant. His sole duty was to protect the president.

This film is not designed to explore why the Kennedy assassination occurred, nor whether it was a conspiracy. It is rather a unique anecdotal look at how one man, in the background, as an "unsung hero", consistently worked tirelessly to achieve goals that led to changes in the way our presidents and the candidates for that post are protected. My vision is to tell this story completely in the words of Lem as we incorporate visual elements of live film, still shots, and audio recorded during the time of the events.

There are extensive amounts of material available to us for use in this documentary. Through the use of our many interviews, stock footage, hundreds of photos in the personal collection of Mr. Johns, and through the presidential libraries, our film will weave a story of the integrity and quiet humbleness of this true dedicated American patriot who truly believes in the old school virtues and values of his generation.

We will hear his account of the events that occurred when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. He will recount the preparations for Air Force One as a new president was sworn in. We will see his reaction as he hears (for the first time) President Johnson speak about events that he was involved with through tapes that were made in the Oval office.

We'll follow him through the Johnson presidency and the innovations he made to the protection of the White House as Special Agent in Charge and through the end of his tenure once a new president assumed power.

In summary, this is a personal portrait: a look at a man whose story has never been told.

If you are interested in sponsoring or funding this project please contact me: John Jenkins.