Coming Back with Wes Moore

These screenings are FREE and hosted in cooperation with KSMU and the MSU Public Affairs Office who’s brining Wes Moore to Springfield in October. Coming Back with Wes Moore, a series executive produced by best-selling author and former Army combat veteran Wes Moore, aired on PBS in 2014. The three episode series tells the story of Wes Moore’s search for answers to some of the most difficult questions related to returning from war. Moore’s journey takes him into the personal lives of different soldiers as they attempt to reintegrate back into society, establish new identities, and – for many – find a new mission. Each episode focuses on a different stage of coming home: “Coming Back” (Sept. 13), “Fitting In” (Sept. 20) and “Moving Forward” (Sept. 27). **Sunday, Sept. 13** we will screen Episode 1: "Coming Back" Learn why some veterans reintegrate back into society after deployment and some struggle. Wes’ journey begins with Bonnie Collins, the mother of Brian Collins, one of his oldest friends and a fellow officer. Last year, after getting married and beginning a new career, Brian abruptly took his own life. The questions surrounding this tragedy initiate Wes’ desire to learn more about why some can get on with their lives, while some cannot. **Sunday, Sept. 20**Episode 2: “Fitting In” Explore the notion of identity and how it’s altered during deployment and at home. Explore the notion of identity, how it’s altered during deployment and altered again on return home. Wes explores the experience of coming back fundamentally changed by the experience of war, and the difficulty of fitting back in. Can you create a new life in your old world? **Sunday, Sept. 27**Episode 3: “Moving Forward” Examine the veterans’ drive to find a new mission in their lives. The final episode explores the drive veterans often have of finding a new mission, to contribute, to be part of something bigger than themselves.