Georgia dad featured in Veterans Day documentary on HLN

• Courtesy of HLN
• Georgia dad Robert Stokely’s amazing quest

A few weeks ago, as I awaited the arrival of a friend at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, I was impressed by the recurrent rounds of applause greeting members of the U.S. military as they ascended the escalator to the main concourse. While there is something comforting about this welcome committee meeting soldiers with a handshake before directing them towards the proper baggage claim, the theatrical gesture of applauding soldiers in the airport strikes me as empty if it is not supported by legitimate and coordinated efforts to assist them in their transition to civilian life. While this is a clear contrast with the stories of men returning from Vietnam to jeers, without assistance to address traumas like PTSD and other transitional support like job training, those who sacrificed so much are at risk of becoming a lost generation.

Note: A terrific film called The Way We Get By showcases the greeting committee at a critical airport in Maine. It’s a must-see on Veterans Day, as I’ve mentioned before.

Another must-see this Veterans Day called 108 Hours: A Father’s Journey to Iraq comes courtesy of Atlanta-based HLN and features the remarkable quest of a Georgia father who lost his son in Iraq.

Here’s the trailer:

The complete press release and screening information follows after the jump: