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Waterboo is
a documentary film that explores the incredible determination needed to overcome some
of the greatest obstacles imaginable and recognizes the most important
traits an individual can possess.
Filmmaker Jeremy Klapprodt does this by
revealing the story of Charlie Oman through the use of interviews,
photographs, old film reels, and video footage shot over the years while
traveling with him. Charlie Oman was born and raised on a farm in Vanlue,
Ohio. He was a handsome young
man who enjoyed life and loved to have a good time. Shortly after graduating high
school, Charlie enlisted in the Marines and was sent off to the Vietnam
War. This is where he was given the nickname "Waterboo" because he
was as big and strong as a water buffalo. On April 21, 1967, Charlie's life
was changed forever when he sustained a gunshot wound to the head from
hostile fire that left him nearly dead. He laid there on the ground for
almost two days before he was discovered and quickly shipped off for
treatment at the station hospital. He was then medically air
evacuated to the United States and assigned to the Naval Hospital in
Illinois, where he began his slow and difficult
recovery. The condition Charlie was in when his family
and friends first visited him was unimaginable. He was barely
recognizable and couldn't even talk. The back right side of his head
was basically gone leaving the left half of his body numb and with
little motion. Life as he knew it started over as he had to relearn how to
complete even the simplest of tasks. He has adjusted well over the
years and now leads a life of the
greatest quality. Charlie currently owns his own shipping company
and spends most of his time on the road. When he is not driving down
the road, he is usually surrounding himself with friends that have all
become family. Some of Charlie's hobbies are hunting, fishing,
billiards and cooking. Most people will tell you he is very good at
all of them, too. Charlie "Waterboo" Oman is an inspiration and has driven Jeremy Klapprodt to explore himself, as well as the world around him. This film illustrates this exploration and gives the audience an opportunity to meet this inspirational character.
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About the
film