Kyra Newnam

The Vietnam War, like any war, is a collection of many stories that come together to form a single narrative for those who experienced it. These thoughts, emotions, and struggles all come together to create the picture that we have of the war today. “Making of a Soldier” follows Vietnam veterans’ experiences. Each story is unique and is a piece of a bigger picture. Together, it provides us a look at how everyone in the country was affected by the war, how they came home and readjusted to civilian life, and how the war continues to reach them to this day. .

Max Elliott is a Vietnam War Veteran, former helicopter crew chief, and door gunner. He shares his story of his time during the war and his struggles during his deployment, as well as once he gets home.

Take Your Own Notes features the stories of five women veterans who live in the greater Rockford, IL area. The documentary demonstrates how the five women make an impact in their families and local communities and connect with each other through their shared experiences in the United States military. Take Your Own Notes provides an outlet for women who experience challenges featured in the documentary, cultivating an open dialogue for those who wish to tell their stories.

"Pocket Full of Talents" is a personal look into the life of Rhonda Robinson. Her story captures the tie between being a community leader and an elementary teacher; aiming to be a voice for youth and spread awareness of the faults within the Rockford community.

Running to Remember is a documentary about Cathy Powers, a gold star mother who started running to remember the veterans who served our country. She runs to honor her son, Senior Airman (SrA) Bryce Powers. Along her running journey, Cathy meets veterans from around the country, letting them know they are loved and remembered for their service. With the help of Wreaths Across America, Cathy has run over a thousand miles within all 50 states, as well as raising 11,215 wreath sponsorships for Arlington National Cemetery.

Since 2012, The Harlem Veteran Project has dedicated their time to recording and preserving the stories of American Veterans. Through this process the students have learned the long term impact of war on individuals and the community. In 2016, the Harlem Veteran Project students took an extended look into the impact war had on veterans, Jim Thew and Alex Feggestad. During this journey the students learned the reality of war and Jim and Alex experienced the power of healing through oral history.