American Veteran

‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’: A Survivor’s Story

Brandon Anderson served in the army from 2003 to 2008, when the policy was ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ His fiancé at the time was his best male friend, so he was living a double life. When tragedy fell, and his partner was the victim of police violence, Brendan was forced to disclose his sexuality, and given a dishonorable discharge from the army, to which he’d devoted 5 years of his life.

‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’: A Survivor’s Story

3m 13s

  • 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.

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.