American Veteran, “The Calling”

PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):

Tuesday, Oct. 26, at 9 PM
Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 2 AM
Sunday, Oct. 31, at 1 PM

Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):

Saturday, Oct. 30, at at 4 PM

As recruits take the oath to serve, they leave the civilian world to become a soldier, sailor, marine, airman or airwoman. This is the start of their transformation. Narrated by TV host and former Marine Drew Carey. (Part 1 of 4) 

American Veteran, “The Mission”

PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):

Tuesday, Nov. 2, at 9 PM
Wednesday, Nov. 3, at 2 AM
Sunday, Nov. 7, at 1 PM

Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):

Saturday, Nov. 6, at 4 PM

Military life shapes servicemen and women in profound, unexpected ways. Veterans’ stories showcase the raw impact of these experiences. Hosted by Senator Tammy Duckworth. (Part 2 of 4)

Memphis Belle: Her Final Mission

PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):

Monday, Nov. 8, at 5 PM

Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):

Thursday, Nov. 11, at 7 PM 

Learn the story of two teams: the crew that flew The Memphis Belle into combat and the restoration team that took 13 years to return her to her former glory. Two teams, separated by more than six decades, are bound together by their love of this remarkable and historic plane.

The Wall’s Embrace

PBS WESTERN RESERVE (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):

Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 8:30 PM

This award-winning film narrated by Jimmy Buffett is about the significance of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and its enduring power to heal. It emotionally explores the wall’s continuing impact on its many visitors as well as those most affected by the Vietnam War through deeply stirring recollections of veterans, Gold Star families and founders of the wall.

American Veteran, “The Return”

PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):

Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 9 PM
Sunday, Nov. 14, at 1 PM

Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):

Saturday, Nov. 13, at 4 PM

Hollywood war stories seem to end with the hero's triumphant return; in reality, the road back to civilian life is often less certain. Hosted by actor, Vietnam War veteran and Native American activist Wes Studi. (Part 3 of 4) 

Elvis and the USS Arizona

PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):

Thursday, Nov. 11, at 5 PM

Learn the surprising story of how one of music’s biggest icons helped to establish a USS Arizona memorial in Pearl Harbor. Elvis Presley’s fundraising concert drew public attention to the plight and helped to galvanize efforts to finish the USS Arizona Memorial as it stands today.

Surrender on the USS Missouri

Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):

Thursday, Nov. 11, at 8 PM

Narrated by country music star Luke Bryan, this documentary focuses on those who witnessed the official Japanese surrender on Sept. 2, 1945, ending World War II. Witnesses included sailors, soldiers and marines aboard the battleship that day, plus pilots who flew over the ceremonies and those on other nearby ships. Just getting a view of the surrender signing was the goal of everyone on the USS Missouri. It was one of the most monumental days in history, and only a few remain alive who witnessed the formal surrender that morning. 

Washington National Cathedral Veterans Day Tribute 2018

Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):

Thursday, Nov. 11, at 9 PM

Set in the National Cathedral, this program is a celebration of veterans of military service. It is a combination of live entertainment and pre-produced packages about the concerns, experiences and successes of veterans. The U.S. Marine Corp Orchestra and Cathedral Choir, plus an eclectic mix of musical performers featuring veterans, anchor the entertainment. There are features on presidents George H. Bush and Jimmy Carter, both veterans.

Veterans of America—Our Heroes in Uniform: They Served Too

PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):

Thursday, Nov. 11, at 9:30 PM

Women in uniform face a variety of challenges and successes, and this documentary allows several female veterans to share their stories. The production also tells of Sharon Lane, a Canton, Ohio, resident who was the first female casualty of the Vietnam War. In addition, it touches on female veterans’ high rate of homelessness and how local officials are striving to combat the problem.

Jazz Ambassadors: United States Army Field Band

Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):

Thursday, Nov. 11, at 10 PM

The Jazz Ambassadors, the United States Army’s premiere touring big band, travels thousands of miles each year to present jazz to enthusiastic audiences throughout the nation and around the world. Performed live, the music of the era includes “Take the “A” Train,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “In the Mood” and much more.

Memoirs of World War II

PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):

Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 8:30 PM
Saturday, Nov. 20, at midnight

Through area World War II veterans’ personal accounts of real life during the war, this local production honors their sacrifices. It also offers younger generations an understanding of what it was like to live through the war and an opportunity to learn from it.

American Veteran, “The Reckoning”

PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1):

Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 9 PM
Sunday, Nov. 21, at 1 PM

Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):

Saturday, Nov. 20, at 4 PM

Veterans reflecting on their service ask how we—veterans and civilians together—can move America forward. Hosted by Army veteran, actor and motivational speaker J. R. Martinez. (Part 4 of 4)

Voces on PBS, “American Exile”

Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):

Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 10 PM
Saturday, Nov. 20, at noon

Brothers Manuel and Valente Valenzuela both volunteered and fought in Vietnam. Fifty years later they are among thousands of veterans who are being deported. The brothers don their uniforms for one last fight, to bring all the veterans back home. 

Return to Vietnam: Unification, Forgiveness, and Peace

Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):

Saturday, Nov. 27 at 4 PM

Joe Muharsky and Jon Teshner are Vietnam veterans from two very different walks of life. Muharsky is from Ohio, volunteered for the Navy and ended up on a swift boat in the Mekong Delta. He still carries the trauma experienced during a horrific firefight in the Ca Mau Canal. Teshner was drafted into the Army, refused to carry a weapon and ended up as a medic dealing with the human carnage of the Tet Offensive in Cu Chi. This film is a testament to the human spirit and how the residual effects of war do not vanish when the peace treaty is signed.

A Journey Home: Revisiting the Lost Villages of the Aleutian Islands

Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2):

Monday, Nov. 29, at 10:30 PM

During World War II, the Aleutian Islands became a front line in the Pacific theater. The arrival of war resulted in mass relocation of the Unangax̂, the indigenous people of the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands. Several villages were never resettled. Evacuation had a profound impact on culture and identity, which continues to resonate today. This documentary tells the story of a project that brought Unangax̂ survivors of World War II back to the communities they were forced to leave during the war.