Veterans & Film in the North Cascades and Beyond

Tacoma, WA – Spotlighting the healing powers of our national parks, National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) will today host a screening of six short films focused on the ways national parks in Washington State and throughout the country have helped veterans, returning military service members and their families. The evening reception, taking place at the McGavick Conference Center in Lakewood, will also feature discussions with some of the filmmakers and individuals spotlighted in the films. The event furthers NPCA’s “Find Your Voice” initiative, focused on inspiring people to speak up for and protect America’s favorite places.

Films slated for the screening document and share stories of veterans returning home from service and venturing to national parks. A testimony to the healing power of our national parks, the veterans’ experiences helped them process their time at war, reconnect with the land and people they served and identify new ways to protect and strengthen America. Their stories emphasize the opportunities in our national parks to inspire, encourage, and empower visitors. The inspirational films display the resiliency of these veterans and tell the significant story of their ability to move forward and continue serving the country through new ventures.

“These vets have taken on tough challenges already, and now they’ve proven themselves as powerful storytellers in film,” said Rob Smith, Northwest Regional Director for NPCA. “What better way to say ‘thanks and welcome home’ than experiencing America’s national parks.”

“As someone who grew up in John Muir’s backyard, hiking throughout the Sierras and along the John Muir Trail as a kid, the national parks have always been a touchstone in my life,” said David Fierner, a veteran and creator of one of the featured films, The Knife. “Upon returning home from years at war and transitioning away from being a Soldier, making this film helped personalize my experiences and give a voice to my struggle with PTSD through the lens of my love for and connection with the outdoors and our national parks.”

NPCA is partnering with the Vet Voice Foundation, Adventure Film School, the Mountaineers, the Tahoma Audubon Society, and the Sierra Club for this special evening.

Learn more about NPCA’s Find Your Voice initiative.

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WHEN: Wednesday, November 4, 2015: 7 – 8:30pm
WHERE: McGavick Conference Center, Clover Park Technical College
4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499

About National Parks Conservation Association
Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.