After Action - Season 3

"Return with Honor" is a phrase used by former prisoners of war and military personnel to signify their commitment to endure hardships, maintain dignity while captured, and return home with character and reputation intact. Stacy Pearsall meets three former POWs to discuss how their experience impacted their lives. Robert Certain was captured when his B-52 Stratofortress was shot down over Hanoi on December 18, 1972. Melissa Coleman was the first enlisted female prisoner of war in US military history after she was captured in 1991 during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Shoshana Johnson was the first African American female prisoner of war when she was captured during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. 

Military leadership has a direct impact on the success of missions, troop morale, and overall effectiveness, often determining whether a battle is won or lost. Stacy Pearsall speaks with three military veterans who served as leaders in challenging situations. Retired Air Force Colonel Doug Cochran was the Commander of the 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron on June 25, 1996, the day of the Khobar Towers terrorist attack in Saudi Arabia. Retired Army Brigadier General TJ Edwards was serving in the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 struck on 9/11. Although injured, he continued to search for survivors and coordinate relief efforts. Retired Marine Quintina Williams Pearson led a Lioness team, an all-female engagement team in rural Afghanistan, before rising to become a First Sergeant, then Sergeant Major. 

Today, there are nearly 40,000 veterans who are homeless, and 1.5 million veterans considered at risk of homelessness. Three veterans who have faced housing insecurity share their experiences with Stacy Pearsall, revealing how they overcame adversity and addiction, and are now helping other veterans. Upon leaving the Air Force, Patricia James-Booker pursued a career in nursing and began working with the VA. After a landlord forced her to leave her home, Pat decided to help other veterans who faced similar situations. Air Force veteran Joe Towles served in Vietnam but moved from drinking to hard drugs after leaving the military. A VA program helped him with housing, detox and counseling, and now Joe helps others. When Mike Coker left the Marine Corps, he became addicted to drugs, got in trouble with the law, and became homeless — all because he was masking the effects of PTSD. He entered the same program as Joe and found sobriety. Now, he helps other veterans who face the challenges he did.

While just six percent of the US population has served in the military, veterans make up 25 percent of the nation's police force. Stacy Pearsall meets three veterans who have exchanged boots for badges, transitioning from the military to law enforcement because they are drawn to the culture, dedication to service and teamwork. Dwayne Gunther retired from the Air Force and became the first Civilian Operations Officer for the 437th Security Forces Squadron in Charleston, South Carolina. Air Force veteran Paul Naples spent 21 years in the Secret Service and now works as a patrol officer. After serving in the Army, Erik Salus has worked in the public safety and law enforcement field for 30 years. 

Historically, a large percentage of veterans have lived and worked on farms, but a recent census shows the veteran-farmer population has dropped 18% in just five years. Three farmer-veterans join Stacy Pearsall to discuss their work in agriculture, the importance of farming, and how farming can reduce stress, improve health and provide a sense of purpose. After being wounded by an IED in Afghanistan, Army Reservist Davon Goodwin persevered, earning a degree in biology. He now farms sustainably alongside his family on 42 acres in North Carolina. Marine Corps veteran Steve Jimenez was introduced to beekeeping and eventually founded Hives for Heroes, a nonprofit that helps veterans discover the therapeutic benefits of beekeeping. After retiring from the Army, Kara Rutter founded Project Victory Gardens, an agritherapy and education program for veterans. 

Most of the nurses serving during the Vietnam War were dedicated young women who treated combat injuries and consoled the wounded, often under extremely challenging conditions. Upon returning home, many faced hostile treatment or had their service denied by civilians and veterans alike. Stacy Pearsall talks with three nurses who served in Vietnam. Air Force Flight Nurse Jean Berkheiser provided in-flight medical aid to combat and noncombat casualties. Edie Meeks served in the Intensive Care Units of the 3rd Field Hospital and the 71st Evac Hospital in Pleiku. Air Force veteran Linda Pugsley served with the 34th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, assisting in the evacuation of wounded personnel from Vietnam. 

In Native American culture, the warrior tradition emphasizes courage, bravery, protecting the community, and demonstrating strength through acts of valor. But the concept of a warrior extends beyond combat to include providing for the family and upholding cultural values. Stacy Pearsall meets three Native American veterans who served the country while upholding tribal traditions. Army veteran Mitchelene BigMan (Crow) was deployed twice to Iraq, where she faced discrimination, inspiring her to create Native American Women Warriors. Harold "Buster" Hatcher, Chief of the South Carolina Waccamaw Indian People, retired from the Army after serving for 20 years, including a deployment to Vietnam. Johancharles "Chuck" Van Boers (Lipan Apache Nation) was an Army combat photographer who deployed multiple times, including to Grenada and Iraq.