The Afghanistan Series

Lifegiver presents

Helping service members and families process the drawdown of a two-decade war on terror by answering your toughest questions.

Part 1

“Was it Worth it?”

Afghanistan Through a Gold Star's Eyes

In this unscripted, unedited episode, Krista S. Anderson processes the death of her husband in Afghanistan, her marriage to a soldier now who served there and her message to what many service members are feeling about the loss of soldiers they served with.

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Supplemental Material: The Price of Freedom

Few people are able to answer that question from the same vantage point as Jennie Taylor. She is a Gold Star widow whose husband, US Army Major Brent Taylor, was killed in action in Afghanistan on November 3, 2018, leaving her behind to raise their SEVEN young children on her own. Through a series of questions, Jennie leads the audience to the point of having to ask themselves the same question she has been asking herself every day—”Is it worth it?” Setting politics aside, Jennie guides the audience to the point of self-reflection as to whether or not patriotism is alive –and the powerful follow-up question of “Who gets to decide?”

Part 2

“Is this our Vietnam?

Afghanistan Through a Saigon Pilot's Eyes

Vietnam Veteran Pilot Wendell Lewis, shares his experience evacuating Vietnamese citizens and orphans out of Saigon in Operation Baby Lift while the North Vietnamese closed in. Considering the disturbing footage of Afghans desperately trying to flee the country and Air Force crews making the difficult choice to evacuate those they could, Wendell shares what that felt like and answers the question, “Is this our Vietnam?”

More on Operation Baby Lift: https://youtu.be/t4-syR5h8mw

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Supplemental Material: Operation Baby Lift

Part 3

“How do I process if I am currently responding to this crisis?”

Afghanistan-
A New Trauma

Corie talks about those that are currently deployed and responding to the humanitarian crisis of Afghanistan. How do you proactively face trauma in a way that will reduce the likelihood PTSD? How do you support your spouse when they are exposed to the pain and suffering of civilians outside of combat?

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Supplemental Material: Soul Injury

The topic of moral injury continues to be discussed within the military and veteran space, but many still are unclear what it is and how it impacts a person and their family. Moral injury is often described as the internal struggle a person goes through after being asked to do something that goes against his or her morals or values. For many of our service members, this is a real issues that deeply impacts their ability to recover. In this FANTASTIC interview, listen as I speak with Chaplain Timothy Mallard, a subject matter expert not only in moral injury, but soul injury. Soul injury, he describes, is an even deeper and sometimes more complicated injury to the soul- often not due to anything the person did- but more so done to them.

Part 4

“What about the women?”

The Courage & Plight of the Afghan Women

This is an awesome discussion with Dr. Bina Patel that is empowering, truthful, and encouraging all at the same time. Don’t miss it. Dr. Patel helps us with the question , “What about the women and children of Afghanistan?”

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Supplemental Material: How you can help...

Here are some of the recommended resources that you can reach out to if you are interested in serving the women of Afghanistan or those who are refugees coming to America.

Part 5

“how do I bring meaning to my time there?”

Through the Eyes of One Who's Been There

Matt joins the series (finally, lol) to share his thoughts about the Afghanistan withdrawal and the ending of a two decade war that he was a part of. After two difficult deployments there, he processes the emotions he has had and revisits the memories it brings up. He also shares what he believe will help him and others take the next healthy step.

VIDEO: Part 1

VIDEO: Part 2

AUDIO: Part 1

AUDIO: Part 2

Part6

“what about the leaders?”

Through the Eyes of Leadership

Retired Colonel Robert “Brad” Brown shares his story of command during the battle of COP Keating, the burden and responsibility of leadership, and the tension of policy and military strategy. Brad also shares perspective on leaving Afghanistan.

Lifegiver presents