New Documentary Tells Personal Stories Of Veterans As They Reintegrate Into Society

Coming Back With Wes Moore begins Tuesday, May 13 at 8 p.m. on West Virginia PBS. This new three-episode series executive produced by best-selling author and U.S. army veteran Wes Moore, tells the story of his search for answers to some of the most difficult questions facing veterans returning from war. Moore’s journey, spurred by the suicide of one of his oldest friends and a fellow officer, takes himinto the personal lives of different soldiers as they attempt to reintegrate into society, establish new identities and – for many – find a new mission. Each episode focuses on a different stage of coming home: “Coming Back” (May 13), “Fitting In” (May 20) and “Moving Forward” (May 27).

The series begins with Moore’s visit to Bonnie Collins, the mother of one of Moore’s oldest friends and a fellow officer, Brian Collins. In the first episode, “Coming Back,” viewers learn that the previous year, after getting married and beginning a new career, Collins abruptly took his own life. This incident initiates Moore’s desire to learn more about why some veterans can get on with their lives, while some cannot. In “Fitting In,” Moore explores the concept of identity, how it’s altered during deployment and how it’s altered again when a veteran returns home. “Moving Forward,” the final episode, examines the veterans’ drive to find a new mission, to contribute, to be part of something bigger than themselves.

http://youtu.be/2Q4uQ3RYJwk

“My hope is that the public can get a glimpse of what the end of the wars means to these brave men and women and to their families,” continued Moore. “There is more we can do than simply saying ‘thank you for your service.’ We can truly show our gratitude by asking them to share their experiences.”