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SHEEPDOG, an award-winning movie set for nationwide release Friday, addresses the varied challenges veterans confront as they reintegrate into civilian life after returning from overseas deployment.
Written, produced and directed by Steven Grahym, SHEEPDOG follows veteran Calvin Cole who has just lost his job and is facing court-ordered treatment with a Department of Veterans Affairs trauma specialist.
Grahym also plays the role of Cole and Oscar-nominated Virginia Madsen plays his counselor.
“We created SHEEPDOG to honor the journey of all veterans — whether previously on active duty, Reserve or Guard,” said Grahym. “The National Guard plays a unique role in the U.S. military, allowing citizen-soldiers to serve their country while continuing to hone their talents and skills in the civilian world.”
“This is a huge strategic asset for our country yet also can take a toll on our Guard community and their mental health,” he adds.
“War changes everybody in some way,” said retired Maj. Gen. Francis M. McGinn, the NGAUS president, who deployed to Iraq in 2004. “SHEEPDOG portrays the varied veteran experience of returning and adjusting to civilian life. In the National Guard, we live and work in our communities and often lack the formal support system afforded on a military base.”
Increasing awareness of the uniqueness of the post-deployment or transition-related stressors experienced in the Guard and identifying remedies remains a key NGAUS objective.
“This is why we're honored to have the partnership and support of the National Guard Association of the United States as we continue spreading the message of SHEEPDOG and the criticality of the community in taking care of our veterans,” adds Grahym.
NGAUS has endorsed several legislative initiatives, including the Servicemembers Mental Health Improvement Act, the Examining Mental Health Services for the National Guard and Reserves Act and the SERVICE Act, which would provide behavioral health to all veterans regardless of service-connection.
The movie opens with a well-known quote from retired Army Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, “I’m a sheepdog. I live to protect the flock and confront the wolf.”
There are several “sheepdogs” in the film, including the VA counselor, Cole’s battle buddy and a Vietnam veteran, played by Vondie Curtis-Hall.
Both Curtis-Hall and Grayhm will be attending a special screening of the film in Washington, D.C. that is hosted by NGAUS and the Code of Support Foundation.
After the movie, a panel discussion of the movie’s themes will be moderated by Jennifer Griffin of Fox News.
Retired Col. Eric Leckel, the NGAUS chief of staff, will be on the panel with Grahym, cast members Matt Dallas and Dominic Fumosa, Lynda Davis of the VA, and Robert Speer of Code of Support Foundation.
Leckel deployed three times during his career with the Wisconsin Army Guard, including twice to Iraq.
While SHEEPDOG touches on traumatic brain injury, substance abuse and financial stressors, its focus is on post-traumatic growth, resiliency and community support.
“You were willing to give your life for your country. Maybe now you can try living for it,” the VA counselor suggests to Cole in the film.
The film opens nationwide Jan. 16.
The producers have partnered with VetTix and First Tix to provide discounted tickets to veterans, first responders and their families.
You can “pay it forward” by purchasing tickets here.
—By John Goheen
