Host Michael Azevedo is joined on this episode by Laura Varela and Andrew Gonzales, the producer and producer/director of "American Sons," a new documentary that follows a brotherhood of Marines a decade after their deployment to Afghanistan, as they struggle to overcome the trauma of combat and the loss of many of their comrades.

 

The film will premiere on PBS on January 12 and will stream simultaneously with broadcast and be available on all station-branded PBS platforms

 

The story of their time in Afghanistan is told through the video diary of Corporal JV Villarreal, who was killed in action by an IED. JV had kept the video diary for his family back home in Texas and his family generously shared it with the filmmakers.

 

This personal, powerful footage provides a haunting window into what these young Marines experienced together. Now, a decade after JV’s death, his brotherhood of Marines continues to get together, helping each other cope with lingering trauma and strengthening the unbreakable bonds formed in war.

 

A poignant exploration of grief and resilience, “American Sons” honors the service of these young men and spotlights the need for mental health support for veterans.

 

About the host: www.writevoicecreative.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-azevedo/

 

Sound Engineer: A.J. Kierstead