STORIES OF VETERANS AND IMMIGRANTS
Distribution & Reach
Platform Reach (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025)
Broadcast
2 episodes broadcast | 6.25 hours broadcast
HF 1999 Article 4 Sec. 2 Subd. 6 (e) Public Television. $5,000,000 the first year and $4,500,000 the second year are to the Minnesota Public Television Association for production and acquisition grants according to Minnesota Statutes, section 129D.18. Of the amount in the first year, $1,000,000 is for producing Minnesota military and veterans’ history stories and unique immigrant stories from around the state.
Streaming
2 videos available | .75 hours available | 2,018 streams
Social Media
1 post | 1,069 video views | 28 engagements
It’s Never Left Me
Wounded
Premiere Date: May 22, 2025 Format: 1 x 30-minute documentary; 1 x 7-minute feature
Premiere Date: May 15, 2025 Format: 1 x 30-minute documentary; 1 x 6-minute feature Description Defining the word “wounded” can be difficult. Military veterans might carry physical wounds from combat, while others might carry non-visible, mental wounds. A variety of volunteer groups throughout Minnesota take veterans on outdoor adventures and other therapeutic activities. These groups help veterans find comradeship, healing, and support in ways they never expected.
Description
The 21st century wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have defined an entire generation of Americans, particularly the service men and women who fought in them. Minnesota veterans tell their war stories, how they coped with PTSD, and also share how they readjusted to post- war civilian life. The roles of women in the United States Armed Forces have changed dramatically over the years. For a woman in the military, choosing a career where one would be surrounded by men brings both challenges and rewards.
Impact
Impact
Nick Kuefler, US Army, Melrose, MN
We hope that the documentary has an impact on veterans, family members, and the general public as a vehicle to destigmatize the wounds that are an inevitable part of military service. Wounded is an example of community-focused programming that dares to shed light on a topic of the utmost importance: mental health. In developing this content, Prairie Public was determined to provide the tools to start conversations and initiate actions that improve lives and strengthen communities.
The documentary provides viewers with a new appreciation for the sacrifices and mental health challenges that many veterans go through. The veterans interviewed were able to verbalize their wartime
Julie Balzum, MN Air Guard, Ada, MN
experiences to include the emotion and suffering that is often suppressed. A female veteran recounted her sexual assault in our short feature, “Struggle and Success: Women in the Military.” Both the broadcast and digital content, as well as the in-person screening event, introduced veterans to the following support groups that were involved in the filming of our content:
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Hometown Hero Outdoors The Wounded Warrior Project Wounded Warriors Guide Service Wounded Warriors United Minnesota Mandatory Fun Outdoors
“It was a powerful opportunity to share information and support our Veteran and SMVF (service members, veterans, families) communities in Minnesota. It was an honor to participate!” - Program participant Kristi Ann Stites, Suicide Prevention and Program Development Coordinator, MN Department of Veteran Affairs
“Great impact on me personally to be able to tell our story and the effects of combat that are still with me today.” – Program Participant
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