Fort Campbell "I Was There" Film Project Ends Silence of PTSD

In 2010 I took my first digital media class at Valencia College. I had been doing videos for 4 years but knew there were a lot of things I had to learn. Two years later and 5 certifications on my wall, over 200 videos and student loans, it was all worth it.

Doing a class like this for the veterans of the digital age is a fabulous idea. I wasn't there. All I can do is tell their stories. These veterans were "there" and these are their stories.

Fort Campbell Workshop uses Filmmaking as healing process for Veterans
Clarksville Online
Written by David E. Gillespie
Blanchfield Army Community Hospital
April 6, 2015

For many of the 25 participants at Fort Campbell, the results were quite evident as the task of filmmaking required social interaction and gave some a voice that had been silent.

I Was There film workshop mentor Sean Mannion, left, advises filmmaker Spc. James Bomar II, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, during the final edits of a collaborative film project.
(David E. Gillespie)

Fort Campbell, KY – Lacking only the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s red carpet, Veteran filmmakers were stars in their own rights as a four-day “I Was There” Film Workshop culminated in a packed-house screening event at Cole Park Commons Thursday.

With a unique approach to treating the psychological damages of war, the free workshop encouraged Soldiers to share their experiences through mentored filmmaking classes at Fort Campbell’s Warrior Transition Battalion.

In half-day sessions, participants began March 23rd, with an introduction to film theory and practical techniques, and collaborated all week from concept to shooting and editing, all while grouped with fellow veterans.

Founded by Ben Patton, grandson of General George S. Patton, the workshops are aimed at helping veterans connect with each other, interpret traumatic experiences and substantially reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTS).
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