American Veteran

A Different Language

While in the military, the bonds you create with other service members are powerful and unique. It’s a shared experience that you can only understand if you’ve been through it. Edie Meeks, who was a nurse in Vietnam, says, “Being a veteran is like speaking a different language.” Veterans in this video agree that talking about their service with non-military friends and family is not always easy.

A Different Language

3m 24s

  • Episode 4: The Reckoning: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Episode 4: The Reckoning

    S2021 E4 - 55m 20s

    “Those who went into the service and those who did not, we are two different realities,” a Veteran decides. But Veterans don't all feel the same. Some like “Thank you for your service”; others feel it's “bumper-sticker deep.” Veterans reflecting ask how veterans and civilians can move America forward together. Hosted by J. R. Martinez, Army Veteran, actor, and motivational speaker.

  • Episode 3: The Return: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Episode 3: The Return

    S2021 E3 - 55m 19s

    Hollywood war stories mostly end with the hero’s return. In reality, the road back to civilian life is less certain. For some, there were ticker-tape parades; for others, protests, anger and silence. Some veterans return home full of confidence, while others think, “What am I going to do now?” Hosted by actor Wes Studi, Vietnam War Veteran (National Guard) and Native American (Cherokee) activist.

  • Episode 2: The Mission: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Episode 2: The Mission

    S2021 E2 - 55m 18s

    Military life shapes servicemen and women in profound, unexpected ways. Veterans’ stories showcase the raw impact of these experiences: A Coast Guard recruit who helped ferry soldiers on D-Day. A pilot who remotely guided bomber drones over Afghanistan. A Marine who became the first Latina general. Hosted by Senator Tammy Duckworth, Iraq War Veteran (Army) and Purple Heart recipient.

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