Watch Visions of Warriors

Visions of Warriors is a powerful documentary film that delves into the world of veterans who are coping with their trauma through the art of war reenactments. The movie shows us the stories of four veterans - Ryan Gardner, Priscilla Bethel, John Wilson and Robert Cox - who are using their wartime experiences to connect with other veterans and find a new sense of purpose in their lives.

The film begins with Ryan Gardner, an Iraq War veteran who suffered a traumatic brain injury during his deployment. Ryan's struggles with PTSD and TBI have left him feeling isolated and disconnected from the world around him. He finds solace in World War II reenactments and sees them as a way to channel his pain and reconnect with history. Through his participation in reenactments, Ryan finds a sense of camaraderie with other veterans and a renewed connection to his family.

Priscilla Bethel is a Gulf War veteran who served as a transportation specialist. She struggled with guilt and shame after she was involved in a friendly fire incident that caused a fellow soldier's death. Her experiences in Iraq led her to develop PTSD, anxiety and depression. Through her participation in Civil War reenactments, Priscilla found an outlet to connect with other veterans and deal with her past traumas. She describes the experience as a way to "inject fun" into her life and connect with history. By participating in reenactments, Priscilla was able to overcome her shame and feel a sense of pride in her military service.

John Wilson is a Vietnam War veteran who was drafted into the Army in 1968. He served as a medic during the war and was exposed to Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide used by the US military during the conflict. John's health took a turn for the worse years later, and he developed several medical conditions related to Agent Orange exposure. Suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues, John found solace in revisiting the battlefield in Vietnam. His love of history and participating in reenactments helped him feel connected to the soldiers who died there, and he found a sense of peace in being able to honor their sacrifice.

Robert Cox is an Afghanistan War veteran who served as a military police officer. He was injured during a rocket attack and suffered from TBI and PTSD. Robert struggled with feelings of anger and aggression in his daily life, and he found it hard to connect with his family and friends. Through his participation in Revolutionary War reenactments, Robert found an outlet for his anger and a way to connect with the past. He describes the experience as a way to "step back in time" and find a sense of discipline that he had lost since leaving the military. Robert finds a new sense of purpose in sharing his love of history with others, and he hopes to inspire a new generation of veterans to find healing through reenactments.

Visions of Warriors is a deeply moving portrait of veterans who have found a new sense of purpose in their lives through the art of war reenactments. The film challenges our perceptions of what it means to be a veteran and highlights the struggles that many soldiers face when returning home from war. The stories of Ryan, Priscilla, John and Robert are inspirational and remind us of the power of community and the healing potential of connecting with history. This film is a must-see for anyone interested in military history, veteran affairs, or the human experience.

Visions of Warriors is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes.