This Friday, January 10th, the movie "Lone Survivor" goes into wide release in theaters across North America. Based on The New York Times best-selling true story of heroism, courage and survival, "Lone Survivor" tells the incredible story of four Navy SEALs on a covert mission to neutralize a high-level al-Qaeda operative in the mountains of Afghanistan. The book was a first-person account as told by Marcus Luttrell, the lone survivor of the mission.

This past summer, drum corps audiences across the U.S. were presented with the Madison Scouts show "Corps of Brothers - 75 Years of Survival". What many did not know was that the inspiration for the show was based, in part, on the "Lone Survivor" story. James Mason, creative director of the corps, recently shared some of his thoughts on the show with Steve Vickers of Drum Corps World. Following are some excerpts from the interview:SV: Since you marched in the 1975 Madison Scouts, I understand you had a particular reason for offering to get involved with the corps again after a 17-year time away from the drum corps activity. How did that come about and what led up to the production you chose to present for the corps’ 75th anniversary?JM: I think the turning point for me to get re-involved in the activity was going to watch my son graduate from Marine boot camp. Seeing all these young people striving to improve themselves reminded me of the quest for excellence that we have in our activity. I felt it was time to give back to an organization [the Madison Scouts] that gave me so much and the timing in my life seemed correct. Things just lined up.SV: The book you refer to has a specific meaning to you. Can you tell me about what prompted you to make a direct connection with Marcus Luttrell and how you arranged him to speak to the corps in person after their performance at DCI Quarter-finals?JM: When I decided to come back to the corps, I had just read a book by Marcus Luttrell called “Lone Survivor.” With my son going into Special Forces, I wanted to learn as much as I could about his chosen path. The book touched me on so many levels and I knew then that I wanted to do a show based on Marcus’s experience for the 75th anniversary program. It just seemed to have all the things that I was looking for that conveyed the ideals of the brotherhood.JM: Wherever I have been teaching in drum corps, I have always tried to make the experience special by doing things or connecting people to come and talk to the group. This was just an extension of that philosophy. Who would be more perfect to address the membership than the person that inspired our 75th anniversary production. Marcus talking to the group was an experience that these young men will remember for the rest of their lives.CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW AT DRUM CORPS WORLD

The Madison Scouts exited the field after quarter-finals to be addressed by none other than Marcus Luttrell himself. Marcus talked about achieving excellence in life, determination, and never giving up. His words provided the corps a new perspective to the story they were telling as well as a first-hand lesson in leadership and the importance of unity.The Madison Scouts organization is extremely grateful to Marcus Luttrell for taking the time from his extremely business schedule to share his experience and viewpoint with the young men of the corps. The story of "Lone Survivor" is gripping and devastating, but an important message of perseverance in the presence of life-threatening adversity.We hope you take the opportunity to see this movie.