American Veteran

Kill Or Be Killed

Soldiers are trained to kill the enemy, but in reality, the impact of this can be formidable. When Lieut. Col. (Ret.) Bruce Black made his first drone strike, he stepped outside the box and threw up. In basic training recruits are trained to fire on command at human cut-outs, but can a person really be prepared to take a life and, if so, how does one not have remorse? Veterans share their stories.

Kill Or Be Killed

2m 12s

  • 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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