American Veteran

"There is a very stark line between before boot camp and after boot camp," a veteran recalls.  As recruits take the oath to serve, they leave the civilian world to become a soldier, sailor, marine, airman or woman. This is the start of their transformation.  Hosted by comedian, TV host and Marine Veteran Drew Carey.

Military life shapes service men and women in profound, unexpected ways.  Veterans' stories showcase the raw impact of these experiences:  A young Coast Guard recruit who helped ferry soldiers to fight and die on D-Day.  A pilot based in Nevada who remotely guided bomber drones over Afghanistan.  A young Marine who rose to become the first Latina general.  Hosted by Senator Tammy Duckworth, Iraq War veteran (Army) and Purple Heart recipient.   

Hollywood war stories seem to 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 recall the confidence they brought home, while others remember thinking, "What am I going to do now?"  Hosted by actor Wes Studi, Vietnam War veteran (Army) and Native American (Cherokee) activist. 

"Those who went into the service and those who did not, we are two different realities," a veteran decides. But there are differences from veteran to veteran.  Some like "Thank you for your service"; others wonder if the thanks are just "bumper-sticker deep."  Veterans reflecting on their service ask how we – veterans and civilians – can move America forward together.  Hosted by J. R. Martinez, Iraq War Army veteran, actor, and motivational speaker.