Body of War - Film Screening and Discussion
Join Iraq Veterans Against the War, Civilian Soldier Alliance, and ArgusFest for a night of film and discussion about the continuing casualties of the war in Iraq and the work currently happening in Denver to improve healthcare for veterans at our V.A.
In April, 2004 Army soldier Tomas Young was shot and paralyzed in Iraq. Body of War chronicles Tomas’s struggles with his injuries and his growing leadership as a veteran speaking out against the Iraq War. Today, nine years after being wounded in Iraq, Tomas’s deteriorating health has reached a breaking point. This March marks the 10 year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. Please join us to discuss the ongoing trauma caused by the invasion of Iraq and how our families and communities continue to be affected.
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2013 Time: 7-9 PM Location: The Mercury Café, 2199 California Street Suggested Donation: $5
March 19 will mark the 10 year anniversary of the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq. While the war may officially be “over” and has faded from the minds of many Americans, the casualties continue to mount. Thousands of veterans, service members, and Iraqi civilians continue to deal with the mental and physical trauma that they suffered as a result of the war and daily violence and attacks continue in Iraq as part of the legacy of U.S. invasion.
Many of our veterans and service members have suffered injuries that will eventually claim their lives as their physical and mental health deteriorates. These deaths will never be included in any official Iraq War casualty count. Returning veterans who seek health care through the underfunded and understaffed Department of Veterans Affairs face long wait times, confusing bureaucracy, and inconsistent quality and availability of healthcare. Currently we are experiencing a veteran suicide epidemic with 18 veterans committing suicide every day. The men and women who have served our country deserve the care and resources to heal from trauma they’ve suffered due to their military service.
Join us on Thursday, March 21st at 7 PM at the Mercury Café for a film screening that will deal with the struggles that injured vets face when they return from the battlefield. Following the screening, Iraq veterans will lead a discussion about the ongoing trauma caused by the Iraq War and the organizing work currently underway to improve veteran care here in Denver.