Three generations of military women share their stories of service from WWII to Vietnam to Afghanistan. They highlight their journey from the frontlines to life back at home.
Veterans
Canine Soldier: The Militarization of Love On-Demand
Canine Soldiers explores the intimate bond between Military Working Dogs and their handlers-combat soldiers who make life-and-death decisions based on the instincts and behavior of the dogs who lead their patrols.
In wars where the rules of engagement have shifted from traditional combat to the unforeseen and the invisible, these highly trained dogs are saving soldiers’ lives and giving them comfort, hope and protection.
Four-Four-Two, F Company at War On-Demand
This documentary film is a compelling new story of the heroic Japanese Americans who fought in Italy and France during WW II.
This is the story of “F” Company of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the all Japanese American regiment of WW II. This film follows the exploits of F Company through the letters of 1st Sergeant Jack Wakamatsu and interviews of five F Company veterans who recall in vivid detail their wartime experiences from witnessing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor to the Banzai charge up a hill in France where F Company completely annihilated a German infantry company.
In archival footage from the National Archives, F Company is seen moving up to the frontline the day before they launched their attack for the French town of Bruyeres. Filmmaker Peter Wakamatsu, son of 1st Sergeant Jack Wakamatsu, has created a unique war documentary in which the story is told through the eyes of the men who fought in combat. Learn More:
American War Stories: Vietnam On-Demand
Watch the Episodes 1-3 On-Demand
“Part One: Escalation” shows America’s growing involvement in South Vietnam, as combat troops arrive in 1965, the bombing campaign begins, as the U.S. attempts to thwart the Communist North’s takeover of the small Southeast Asia country.
“Part Two: Turning Point” shows how U.S. troop level reaches 500,000 in 1968, and the nation is stunned by the Tet Offensive and Khe Sanh siege. Support for the war begins to waver.
“Part Three: Draw Down” shows how the U.S. turns the war over to So.Vietnam and begins returning soldiers, often to a disparaging public. The U.S. leaves by 1973, but the country falls to the Communists in 1975.
Vietnam War Conversations from Connections Podcast
Podcast: Vietnam War Conversations during a special broadcast of Connections with Evan Dawson from The Little Theatre on August 24, 2017.
Listen to the podcasts Hour 1 & Hour 2 from Thursday, August 24 of Connections with Evan Dawson produced with a live audience from the Little Theatre (240 East Avenue). The two-hour special is part of WXXI’s Vietnam War outreach to delve into the history of the Vietnam War.
Guests included: In the first hour – John White (U.S. Marine Corps veteran); Henrietta and Max Levine (anti-war activists); Alan Levin (better known as “Brother Wease,” a U.S. Army veteran), and in the second hour – Ginny Nguyen (Rochesterian and Vietnamese Community Vice President and Blue Star Mother) and Loan Nguyen (wife of Special Force Lieutenant Colonel Doi Nguyen and mother of Ginny Nguyen).
Historic Tour of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Highland Park On-Demand
Take a tour of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Highland Park in Rochester, NY
Learn about the local history of the Vietnam era and the memorial in Highland Park started by the Vietnam Veterans of American, Chapter 20. (2017)
Legacies of War: Vietnam On-Demand
This program explores the legacy of the Vietnam War through the experiences of veterans from the New York tri-state area. Veterans highlight stories of their service in Vietnam and the treatment they received upon coming home, along with a discussion of how Vietnam affected how American civilians view veterans of all wars.
Legacies of War: Coming Home On-Demand
Veterans from the New York tri-state area share stories of coming home after service.
This program explores life after military service through the stories of veterans who came home to the New York tri-state area. The film examines the history of coming home after service, how the reception of returning servicemembers has changed over time, and the challenges veterans face upon reintegrating to civilian life.