We hear tidbits in the news about returning soldiers, but if you would like get a deeper look into the lives of our veterans, we have several documentaries that share their stories.

Hell and Back Again covers the story of US Marine Sergeant Nathan Harris.  Struck by a machine-gun bullet in Afghanistan, Harris faces the emotional and physical challenges of re-adjusting to civilian life.

Restrepo chronicles a platoon of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan in one of the most dangerous postings in the U.S. military.

The Battle for Marjah follows the Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines as they launch the operation to take over the Taliban stronghold Marjah.

How to Fold a Flag tells the stories of a group of U.S. soldiers as they return from Iraq and rebuild their lives, set against the backdrop of the 2008 election.

My Vietnam, Your Iraq covers eight Vietnam War veterans whose children chose to serve in the Iraq war, discussing their pride, challenges and fears.

Body of War – Paralyzed from the chest down after serving in Iraq for just one week, 25-year-old Tomas Young is forced to deal with the realities of war each and every day. For Tomas, learning to cope with his disability meant finding his voice to speak out against the war in Iraq.

The Soldier’s Heart - As the War in Iraq continues, the first measures of it’s psychological toll are coming in. For those who have survived the fighting, the battle is not over.

The Last Ridge: the Uphill Battles of the 10th Mountain Division documents one of the most heroic divisions in World War II with a mix of action shots and soldier’s commentaries and letters home.

In Iwo Jima Red Blood, Black Sand, 21 veterans of the tragic 1945 battle are interviewed.

I also want to mention the Veterans Oral History Project.  The Riley County Historical Society recorded interviews with local veterans about their experiences.  Although the quality of the recording is a bit rough, this treasure helps us to hold onto their stories.