Know Your Warfighters

American Public:

Do you know what was one of the top issues for voters this election? Terrorism. It’s no surprise given world affairs. I think the majority of us have felt the effects of terrorism ever since that horrific day on September 11… But I don’t think many of us have felt the effects of the fight against that terror.

We hold terrorism as one of the most important issues of our day, yet I find it ironic given the disconnect between our civilian and military populations. For more than a decade our troops have been fighting the War on Terror. It’s the longest war in American History, but do you know how many people actively serve? Half a percent. That’s only 5 out of every 1,000 people. The burden of fighting is unshared and so are the consequences. The result is an unplugged public becoming increasingly separate from the very people charged with protecting them.

The odd reality is that very few of us have been personally impacted by the longest war in U.S. history. In contrast, that half a percent has felt it directly. They’ve left their loved ones behind time and again for intense combat deployments. They’ve faced death, seen their brothers disfigured and killed, suffered invisible injuries, and had their lives forever changed.

That half a percent is not seeking attention or pity for the paths they’ve walked. These men are born warriors. Fueled by a patriotic fervor they desire to serve their country and protect their brothers. Many of them say it’s been both the best part of their lives, as well as the worst. Their experience of war is both their burden and bond. For the rest of us civilians – the other 99.5 percent ― we will never truly understand that… but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.

I’ve been trying for years. Ever since I was a kid I’ve been mesmerized by our military. My father served as a 2nd Lieutenant during the Korean War. He was a tough Marine who taught me the meaning of discipline and respect. As a child I remember him taking me to Naval museums and telling me stories of our brave warriors. Still to this day, those stories fascinate me. Over the years I’ve read countless books, talked to vets from all over, and even embedded with a Navy SEAL team in Iraq … anything to further understand the warrior psyche, brotherhood, and code of honor. I’m not saying the public has to go to this extreme, but I believe people need to do something over nothing.

I realize Americans greatly support our military members and take pride in our troops, but that is not the disconnect I’m speaking of. The source of our divide is not simply in numbers or resolve, it’s from a lack of understanding what it takes to fight and what these men must endure on the battlefield and at home after the fact. 

With Veterans Day approaching, I can’t help but think about our warfighters… the half a percent that voluntarily sign up to fight terrorism (the very thing we are concerned about). Our military could not function without these men and women. Everyday Americans of all backgrounds and branches are deployed, working together to combat terrorism. They know the immediacy of the issue, they know the consequences of failure, and yet, they are willing to risk the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.

These are true American heroes and they need to be known. It’s this belief that fuels many of my projects. I’m fortunate enough that I get to make the films I really want to make and recently I’ve been working on a military docuseries called The Warfighters, a candid look at the realities of war. I want to implore Americans to know their warfighters, to understand the men behind the uniform fighting on our behalf, and to look into their eyes and see the remnants of war seared into their inner beings.

There is no excuse anymore America. If you want to fight terrorism, you need to understand the challenges and moral complications required to do so. And you need to get to know the men and women doing it. If we want to overcome our enemies and claim victory on the War on Terror, we need to come together. In the words of Winston Churchill “There is at least one thing worse than fighting with allies – And that is to fight without them.” For too long it has been their war ― the half a percent ― it’s time we make it our war.

Do us all a favor this Veterans Day November 11 and get to know the people fighting the very thing you are concerned about. You can thank me later.