Veterans, Active Duty Invited To Documentary Screening In Media

MEDIA, PA — Military veterans and active duty service members are invited to a special documentary screening Thursday in Media.

The Delaware County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is hosting a screening of "The Journey Home" Thursday at Nolan’s Pour House, a Veteran owned coffee shop in Media.

The screening will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"The Journey Home" is a documentary featuring numerous Vietnam veterans who share their experiences of returning home and their current lives. With interviews from Academy Award Winner Jon Voight, Medal of Honor Recipient Sammy Davis, and dozens of others, the film presents a complete story of what it has been like for these returning veterans, as they deal with a range of emotions relating to their experiences post-Vietnam.

Veterans and active-duty members of the military are invited to watch the documentary and connect with fellow service members and access resources from the behavioral health community.

Nolan’s Pour House is located at 1 W. Third St. in Media.

The film screening is one of the department's ongoing efforts to raise awareness of Veteran suicide and the mental health issues veterans face, and to highlight the vast resources available to Veterans and their family members who may feel isolated, overwhelmed, and in need of support.

"This powerful movie provides an honest and relatable portrayal of the struggles that many Veterans face," Col. Arthur L. Jenkins Jr., Delaware County’s Director of Military and Veterans Affairs, said. "It sheds light on the harsh realities of Veteran suicide and the importance of seeking help. We look forward to seeing both new and familiar faces on Thursday."

According to a recent Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, the suicide rate among Veterans is 1.5 times greater than the non-veteran population ages 18 and older, with more than 6,000 Veterans dying by suicide each year.

Despite accounting for just 7.9 percent of the population, veterans account for 13.5 percent of all suicide deaths in the United States.

Veterans often carry the weight of their service long after their active duty ends. The transition to civilian life can be incredibly challenging, and many Veterans grapple with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Unfortunately, these struggles can sometimes lead to thoughts of suicide.

Veterans, active military, or people who are concerned can call the confidential 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988, then pressing 1. This line is available for all Veterans and active-duty military — even if they’re not enrolled in VA benefits or health care. Veterans Crisis Line responders will connect callers with the resources they need.