Marine Staff Sgt. John Jones is one of the soldiers interviewed in the documentary.
More than 30,000 soldiers have been injured while fighting in Iraq. While 90 percent of the wounded survive their injuries, a greater percentage of men and women return with amputations, brain injuries and severe post-traumatic stress.
“Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq” is a documentary that explores the physical and emotional costs of war as soldiers talk about their “alive day,” the day they escaped death in Iraq.
The film will be shown Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Field House Auditorium. The free, public screening is sponsored by the UT Disability Studies Program.
“With this documentary, we see proof that war is one of humankind’s most effective ways of creating disability,” said Dr. Jim Ferris, Ability Center of Greater Toledo Endowed Chair in Disability Studies, director of the UT Disability Studies Program and associate professor of communication. “But those who are familiar with the history of the disability rights movement in the U.S. also know that veterans of the armed forces have played vital roles in gaining important advances for people with disabilities in America.”
He will lead a discussion following the screening of the 57-minute movie that is not rated and contains graphic battle footage.
Actor James Gandolfini interviews 10 Iraq war veterans who discuss their disabilities, feelings toward America, and thoughts on the future.
“This documentary encourages us to think about the high price servicemen and women are paying right now,” Ferris said.
For more information about this free, public event, contact Ferris at 419.530.7245 or e-mail jim.ferris@utoledo.edu.
