Where Soldiers Come From: Understanding the Documentary
The documentary "Where Soldiers Come From" is a thought-provoking and emotional journey that explores the lives of four young American soldiers as they return to their small town in Michigan after serving in the war in Afghanistan. The documentary, released in 2010, was directed by Heather Courtie and David Colton.
What is the documentary about?
The documentary follows the lives of these four soldiers, Jesse, where he is from documentary video, Owen, Shamar, and Cat as they return to their hometown of Branch County, Michigan. The film examines the effects of war on these young men and their families, as well as the community that has been shaped by the war.
Main Characters
- Jesse: Jesse is the main character of the documentary. He is a Marine who has been wounded twice in Afghanistan and is still recovering from his injuries.
- Owen: Owen is a Marine who has been deployed to Afghanistan twice. He is dealing with the emotional trauma of war and is struggling to adjust to civilian life.
- Shamar: Shamar is a National Guard soldier who has been deployed to Afghanistan once. He is struggling to find employment and is feeling lost in his civilian life.
- Cat: Cat is a Marine who has been deployed to Afghanistan once. She is trying to balance her military life with her civilian life as a college student.
Where Soldiers Come From: An Overview
The documentary explores the following themes:
• The Effects of War: The documentary examines the physical and emotional scars of war on the soldiers and their families.
• Transition to Civilian Life: The film looks at the challenges faced by soldiers as they transition from military to civilian life.
• Support for Soldiers: The documentary highlights the importance of community support for soldiers and their families.
• Dealing with Trauma: The film explores the impact of trauma on the soldiers and their families.
Key Findings
Some key findings from the documentary include:
• 25% of soldiers struggle with PTSD: The documentary reveals that 25% of soldiers struggle with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) after returning from war.
• Military families face unique challenges: The film highlights the challenges faced by military families, including the emotional toll of deployment and the struggle to adjust to civilian life after deployment.
• Support from the community is crucial: The documentary emphasizes the importance of community support for soldiers and their families as they transition back to civilian life.
Where Soldiers Come From: The Numbers
Here are some numbers that highlight the impact of war on soldiers and their families:
Statistic | Description |
---|---|
25% | Percentage of soldiers who struggle with PTSD after returning from war. |
12.5% | Percentage of soldiers who have experienced Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) after returning from war. |
1 in 5 | Percentage of soldiers who report symptoms of depression or anxiety after returning from war. |
25-30% | Percentage of soldiers who experience divorce after returning from war. |
Conclusion
"Where Soldiers Come From" is a powerful and emotional documentary that sheds light on the lives of soldiers and their families after returning from war. The film highlights the challenges faced by soldiers as they transition from military to civilian life and the importance of community support for their well-being. The documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the impact of war on individuals and communities.
Sources
- "Where Soldiers Come From" documentary film
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- National Alliance on Mental Illness