The Stories Vietnam Veterans Never Told with Filmmaker Sid Holmes

Filmmaker Sid Holmes joins Untold Valor to discuss The Wait, his powerful documentary chronicling the lives of Vietnam veterans beyond the battlefield. Rather than beginning with combat, Sid explores who these men were before they served, revealing how childhood, military service, and the journey home shaped the rest of their lives. The conversation highlights the importance of preserving veterans' stories, the healing power of sharing difficult experiences, and why no veteran should ever suffer in silence. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:The Wait – Why Sid created his Vietnam documentaryVietnam Experience – Following veterans from enlistment through homecomingHealing Through Storytelling – Why sharing experiences can be therapeuticFrom Film to Stage – Turning veteran stories into a live productionHope & Resources – Encouragement for veterans to seek support0:00 – Intro1:19 – Why Sid wanted to tell Vietnam veterans' stories3:20 –Why the film begins with childhood9:16 – Veterans opening up through conversation10:37 – Powerful veteran stories14:06 – The many different paths that led men to Vietnam16:30 – Adapting The Wait into a stage play19:39 – Sid's message to veterans and their familiesSid HolmesLearn more about Sid HEREEPISODE LINKSCheck out Sid’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@afamreport/videosThe Weight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_zOZMAf8ecThe Stage Play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo3VIMzNmg8&t=9sArticles about The Weight:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1keX1Q6MLqv-3SUyOAWOzvSL1rkEOcDHi/view?usp=sharinghttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1_dh3HkLuX2rtSi906LQKjOsZQ8zhY563/view?usp=sharingMORE RESOURCESNeed immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzgVoice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoyCompeerCORPS: https://compeerfriends.org/compeercorpsBe a Volunteer for CompeerCORPS: Voice and Vision, Inc | CompeerCORPS Volunteer ApplicationBe a Peer for CompeerCORPS:  Voice and Vision, Inc | Compeer & CompeerCORPS Referral ApplicationInformation on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWSView more about PA’s resources for veterans:  https://bit.ly/416cf0Q