American Veteran: Keep It Close

Explore the Veteran experience through unique objects that mattered to them while serving.

Episodes

  • What ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ Means to This Gay Veteran: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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    What ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ Means to This Gay Veteran

    S2021 Ep10 |
    An LGBTQ Marine thrives after Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is repealed.
  • This Marine Keeps Ticking Against All Odds – Like His Watch: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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    This Marine Keeps Ticking Against All Odds – Like His Watch

    S2021 Ep9 |
    A Marine veteran keeps ticking against all odds, just like his watch.
  • How A Toy Car Helps This Veteran Persevere: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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    How A Toy Car Helps This Veteran Persevere

    S2021 Ep8 |
    A toy replica of a VW beetle reminds this Army veteran she can always getaway.
  • This Vet Fought for Inclusive Hair Standards in the Army: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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    This Vet Fought for Inclusive Hair Standards in the Army

    S2021 Ep7 |
    An Army lieutenant colonel struggles to make her textured hair conform to regulations.
  • In Iran They Left Hostages Behind; One Veteran Kept The Maps: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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    In Iran They Left Hostages Behind; One Veteran Kept The Maps

    S2021 Ep6 |
    A failed mission motivates this Army veteran to learn from mistakes and fight for change.
  • What a Stuffed Bunny Means to This Military Family: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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    What a Stuffed Bunny Means to This Military Family

    S2021 Ep5 |
    A stuffed bunny becomes a symbol of family and home for this Marine veteran.
  • How Rap and a Broken Mic Help This Iraq Vet Survive: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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    How Rap and a Broken Mic Help This Iraq Vet Survive

    S2021 Ep4 |
    Jeff “Soldier Hard” Barillaro recorded rap to relieve stress while deployed in Iraq.
  • What a Small Gift From a Civilian Means to This Army Veteran: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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    What a Small Gift From a Civilian Means to This Army Veteran

    S2021 Ep3 |
    An Army officer reflects on her military career and learning to look beyond differences.
  • This Native American Veteran Carried a Pebble Into War: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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    This Native American Veteran Carried a Pebble Into War

    S2021 Ep2 |
    A Cheyenne-Arapaho veteran uses lessons from his ancestors to survive in Vietnam.

About American Veteran: Keep It Close

American Veteran: Keep it Close delves into the Veteran experience by exploring the significance of objects that veterans carried with them or brought back home from their service. Hosted by Shain Brenden, a former medic in the US Navy who served multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Marines, the series asks what these objects meant, and why they still matter today.

Extras