The season 2 premiere of After Action, a series highlighting conversations with veterans, will air on May 6 at 9 p.m. on ETV-HD and will be distributed by PBS to public television stations throughout the U.S. Viewers outside of South Carolina should check local listings to see when After Action airs on a local PBS station.
Featuring seven, one-hour episodes, After Action documents the experiences of 21 diverse veterans from across the country. Hosted by Air Force combat veteran Stacy Pearsall, this powerful series reveals what life is like for these American heroes before, during and after action.
- Episode 201: “Parenting in Service” - When service before self is the military mantra, the family’s needs often come second to Uncle Sam. As the saying goes, “If the military wanted you to have a family, they would have issued you one.” Yet over 40% of service members have children. Host and retired Air Force Staff Sergeant Stacy Pearsall talks with Bill Brokop, Maria “Coco” Gunther and Hannah Merchant, three veterans who faced the challenge of balancing the needs of a nation with the needs of their families.
- Episode 202: “For God and Country” - Since 1775, chaplains have supported the spiritual needs of the troops and provided counseling on military issues, family troubles and religious matters. In combat, they comfort the wounded and help the dying transition from this life to the next. Three chaplains who committed their lives to God and Country — Reverend Addison Burgess, Rabbi Julie Schwartz and Imam Khallid Shabazz — join host and retired Air Force Staff Sergeant Stacy Pearsall to discuss faith and the challenge of caring for themselves while shouldering the burdens of others.
- Episode 203: “Invisible Veteran” - Many stores across America have designated parking spaces for veterans, used by countless thankful vets. For women veterans, parking in that space comes with the risk of being confronted by angry bystanders who assume they are military wives instead of veterans and are dishonoring what that parking space represents. Veterans Ashley Brokop, Bambi Bullard and Tonya Savice join host and retired Air Force Staff Sergeant Stacy Pearsall to explore the unique needs and experiences of women who have served in the military.
- Episode 204: “Gold Star Service” - When a family loses a military member during service, they become known as a Gold Star Family — a designation no one wishes to receive. Host Stacy Pearsall, whose own family became a Gold Star family in 1944, 1945 and 1969, talks with Shanon Duffy, Joe LaPointe and Nathaniel Lee, three veterans who felt compelled to serve after they became Gold Star survivors.
- Episode 205: “Serving With Pride” - From 1994 until 2011, the military operated under a policy called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which prohibited openly gay or bisexual people from serving in the armed forces. While that policy was repealed, its legacy reverberates today, depriving some veterans of their full benefits. And though service members may now serve openly as their authentic selves, some fear future legislation or executive orders may negatively impact their service. James Bond, Tammy Smith and Jason Vero, three veterans who served — and are serving — with pride, join host Stacy Pearsall.
- Episode 206: “Toxic Exposure” - Many people associate casualties with bombs and bullets, but there are veterans who have died, and those who are dying, years after they returned home from war. Elba Barr, Ron Cherry and Bobby Tyner, three veterans on the frontlines battling silent killers, join host Stacy Pearsall to explore the long-lasting health effects of toxic exposure.
- Episode 207: “Art & Healing” - The beat of a drum, the stroke of a brush, and the fluid movement of dance can articulate feelings and emotions some veterans can’t express in words. As a combat photographer, host Stacy Pearsall found her camera became synonymous with trauma, but as a veteran, it became essential to her healing. Pearsall talks with Román Baca, Trevor Meyer and Maria Salazar, three veterans helping their peers find their voices and their peace through the arts.
Produced by South Carolina ETV, production funding for After Action is provided by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina, Dominion Energy, Home Telecom and Robert M. Rainey.
In addition to scetv.org, as a PBS-distributed series, After Action will also be available for streaming on the PBS app, PBS Amazon Prime and on PBS.org.
Visit pbs.org/afteraction to learn more information about After Action, the veterans featured in the show and resources for veterans. Viewers can also engage with the show on social media by searching the @AfterActionETV handle on Facebook and Instagram.
Those interested in engagement with veterans featured in the series should email SCETV Communications.
QUOTES
“We are incredibly proud to announce the return of After Action for its second season. This series is not only a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of our nation's veterans but also a platform for their voices to be heard and their stories to be shared. We extend our deepest gratitude to the veterans who have entrusted us with their stories and are committed to ensuring that After Action reaches audiences far and wide, not only through traditional broadcast but also through streaming platforms such as the PBS app, PBS Amazon Prime and PBS.org.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“I am honored to witness the profound impact this series continues to have on audiences across the nation. Season 2 represents a deeper exploration into the lives of our veterans, offering a platform for their stories to be heard and understood. Working closely with our dedicated team and the remarkable host, Stacy Pearsall, we have crafted a series that not only honors the sacrifices of our American heroes but also fosters empathy, understanding and support for our veteran community.” –SCETV Director of National Content and Regional Operations Don Godish
“This series holds immense significance in shedding light on the experiences of our nation's veterans. As we embark on season 2, I am humbled by the opportunity to continue these vital conversations and to amplify the voices of those who have served our country. I am grateful for the trust placed in me by our veterans as they share their stories, and I am inspired by their resilience, courage and unwavering commitment to our nation. It is a privilege to stand alongside them and to honor their sacrifices through this powerful series.” –After Action Host Stacy Pearsall
FAST FACTS
- After Action season 2 premiere airs on May 6 at 9 p.m. on ETV.
- After Action will be distributed by PBS to public television stations throughout the U.S. Viewers outside of South Carolina should check local listings to see when After Action airs on a local PBS station.
- Featuring seven, one-hour episodes, After Action documents the experiences of 21 diverse veterans from across the country.
- Visit pbs.org/afteraction or @AfterActionETV on Facebook and Instagram to learn more information about After Action, the veterans featured in the show and resources for veterans.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as Carolina Classrooms, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Somewhere South, Yoga in Practice and How She Rolls. In addition, SC Public Radio produces the national radio production, Chamber Music from Spoleto Festival USA.
Media Contact:
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
803-737-3337
South Carolina ETV series “After Action” returns for a national Season 2 with 7 new episodes (PDF)
