Caring About Veterans Runs in the Family

Your grandfather won lots of  glory  but was criticized for slapping two soldiers suffering from what was then called combat fatigue. It’s ironic you work with veterans with PTSD.

I’m not an apologist for my grandfather. I would say that generation of the military really just didn’t understand this phenomenon. I don’t excuse him because the actions that he was responsible for, particularly in the summer of 1943 in Sicily, were inexcusable. He had a warrior aura about him where sometimes going into military hospitals had its consequences, setting back his career. But I’m inspired by the fact that both he and my dad were very well-known for caring for their soldiers. What I’m doing is shifting the way we understand what “care” means and broadening it. Fortunately, we have learned a great deal more about these mental health challenges over subsequent generations.

How many films has the Patton Veterans Project produced in the past few years?

I’d say between 300 and 400 films at this point. We’ve worked with close to 1,200 veterans. My mission is to reduce the distance between a veteran and everyone he or she interacts with, be that a battle buddy, boss,  neighbor, spouse, son or daughter, or parent. If we can see veterans be closer and more communicative with those around them, then I think everyone will be better off.

Why did you think that filmmaking would resonate with service members today?

Younger veterans are part of the YouTube generation who understand the medium of video better than past generations. We are all carrying around a video camera in our pocket that, with a little bit of software, can be used to edit video. Because we are so familiar with this technology, we can slip into a creative process almost instantaneously. It’s a very easy and quick way for someone to create a narrative. 

And that’s what makes your work different from other PTSD projects?

There are wonderful writing programs and theater programs, but there is something about being able to create  narrative  in this way. Many of the clinicians we work with have said this medium allows the veteran to switch sides. They can observe themselves in a video but also be a participant in it. We can really begin to help them get  support  they need and actually enable them to take control over their lives.

Learn more about the Patton Veterans Project at pattonveteransproject.org.