Soldier On: Life After Deployment Screening and Panel Discussion on Monday, Sept. 26 in Providence, RI

September 19, 2016

Soldier On: Life After Deployment Screening and Panel Discussion

The Providence VA Medical Center at 830 Chalkstone Ave. in Providence will host a screening of the documentary “Soldier On: Life After Deployment” on Monday, Sept. 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the fifth-floor auditorium in the main building. A panel discussion and Q&A session moderated by Kasim Yarn, director of the Rhode Island Department of Veterans Affairs, will follow.

The film portrays the challenges experienced by three female soldiers readjusting to civilian life after their post-9/11 military service. Those challenges included the disintegration of their relationships, alcohol and substance abuse, depression, health problems, military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and employment difficulties. “Forever changed by their military service, the women adapt to find a new place in the civilian world,” said the film’s director, Susan Sipprelle.

Panelists include: Amanda Tejada, a Rhode Island veteran featured in the film; Dr. Lauren Schlanger (Women’s Health, Providence VA Medical Center); Judith Berger (Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator, Providence VA Medical Center); Erin Butler (OEF/OIF Program Manager, Transitional Care Management, Providence VA Medical Center); and, Sherry Elderkin (Transitional/Permanent Housing and Special Projects Manager, Operation Stand Down Rhode Island).

The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited, so attendees are asked to reserve a seat by emailing VHAProPublicAffairs@va.gov before the event. Light refreshments will be provided.