On Tuesday, January 24, at 7:30 p.m., Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 227 will host the award-winning documentary film, “Thank You For Your Service,” at the Angelika Film Center, Mosaic District, in Fairfax. Dealing with the mental health issues confronting many recently returning veterans, this is described as one of the best films of the year. It won best film at the 2016 G.I. Film Festival. Tickets are on sale at: http://gathr.us/screening/18521. There are no box office sales.
The film takes aim at the failed mental health policies within the U.S. military and their tragic consequences. It tells the stories of four struggling Iraq War veterans, along with interviews of top military and civilian leaders. Observing the systemic neglect, the film argues for significant internal change and offers a roadmap of hope.
Interviews include Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Admiral Mike Mullen, Generals David Petraeus and Loree Sutton, Sebastian Junger, Nicholas Kristof, Dexter Filkins, Senator Patty Murray, Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Colonels Lawrence Wilkerson and Dave Sutherland.
There will be a short panel discussion after the film featuring Carrie Ann Alford, Policy Director, Virginia Department of Veterans Services, Dr. Joseph Tarantolo, a psychiatrist in Washington, D.C. (who appears in the film) and Maura Levesque, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Vienna.
Counselors will be available in the audience in case anyone finds the film too disturbing.
Access the movie trailer at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNJrXxHCGDU.