Watch American Veteran

American Veteran is a powerful and moving documentary that tells the story of Sgt. Nick Mendes, an Army veteran who was severely injured during his deployment in Afghanistan. The film chronicles his journey from his injury, through the rehabilitation process, and his return home to face the challenges of civilian life. Directed by Julie Cohen, the documentary is a powerful and emotional testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The story of Sgt. Nick Mendes begins with his deployment to Afghanistan as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. While on patrol, his squad was ambushed by enemy fighters, and Mendes was struck by an IED blast. The explosion left him paralyzed from the neck down, and he was flown back to the United States to begin the long and grueling process of rehabilitation.

The film takes the viewer through Mendes' rehabilitation, which includes several surgeries and months of physical therapy. We see the pain and frustration he endures, as well as the unwavering support of his family and friends. While in the hospital, he meets Wendy Eichler Mendes, a fellow veteran who was injured during her deployment to Iraq. The two quickly form a connection and begin a relationship, which provides both of them with the emotional support they need to face their challenges.

As Mendes prepares to leave the hospital and return home, the reality of his injuries begins to sink in. He must adapt to life as a quadriplegic, and the film shows how difficult this is as he begins to navigate the world around him. Wendy is constantly by his side, providing him with the love and support he needs to cope.

American Veteran also touches on the challenges faced by wounded veterans as they attempt to reintegrate into civilian life. Mendes struggles to find employment, housing, and healthcare, and the film highlights the difficulty many veterans have in accessing the resources they need. We see the frustration Mendes feels as he encounters bureaucratic obstacles and red tape in his attempts to access the benefits he is entitled to.

Throughout the film, Mendes' determination and resilience shine through. He remains positive and determined, despite the many obstacles he faces. His love for Wendy and his family provides him with the inspiration he needs to keep going, and he becomes an advocate for other injured veterans, using his own experiences to help others struggling with similar challenges.

One of the most powerful aspects of American Veteran is the way it humanizes the experience of wounded veterans. We see the toll that Mendes' injuries take on him and his loved ones, and we come to understand the sacrifices made by all those who serve in the military. The film is a powerful reminder that the men and women who serve our country are not just statistics or political pawns, but real people with families, dreams, and struggles.

Overall, American Veteran is a must-see documentary that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is hope and light to be found. It is a moving tribute to the sacrifices made by our military men and women, and a call to action to ensure that they receive the support and resources they need to thrive.

American Veteran is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.