This week’s Tango Alpha Lima podcast offers a sneak peek at “Sheepdog,” an uplifting, award-winning movie, inspired by countless first-hand accounts from veterans.
“Sheepdog” is a new film that tells the story of Army veteran Calvin Cole, who is placed under the care of a student training to become a VA trauma therapist. The story becomes more complex when Calvin’s father-in-law, a Vietnam War veteran, shows up at his doorstep after being released from prison.
Steven Grayhm wrote, directed and stars in “Sheepdog.” Grayhm and Vondie Curtis Hall, who also stars in the film, are the special guests in today’s episode of The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast.
The movie has already won numerous awards on the film festival circuit.
It took Grayhm 12 years to make the film, with multiple nationwide research and development road trips, where he met with thousands of military veterans, first responders, mental health professionals and Gold Star Families. “Sheepdog” explores the physical and psychological repercussions of trauma, with a focus on post-traumatic growth (PTG). It is an uplifting original story, inspired by countless first-hand accounts about recovery, redemption and the journey of healing.”
Among those Grayhm mentioned included a tow-truck driver who spoke candidly during a three-hour drive. He opened up about the medications he was taking, marital problems and financial stress.
“I saw a look in his eyes that I was certain that there was probably comfort in him, likely never seeing me again,” Grayhm said. “That was kind of the lesson in the moment, which was listening without prejudice and how much easier it is to share with somebody who’s a stranger. … the veteran kept saying. ‘I’ve never told my wife this. I haven’t even told a therapist this.’”
Hall was drawn to the movie when he saw the script, remembering losing friends in the Vietnam War, including one who was killed within six months of deployment.
“I knew a lot of my closest friends coming out high school who joined and did not come back, and then seeing others come back in the climate of anti-war, and now getting cancer due to Agent Orange,” he said.
The film, which addresses PTG and hope, has been well-received by veterans of various generations. In fact, Grayhm mentioned that after a screening a 102-year-old World War II veteran approached, hugged him and whispered, “Thank you.”
“OIF and OEF veterans say, ‘I wish I had this movie 10 years ago when I got out,’” he continued. “I wish I had it to show my family so they could see why I am the way I am, but also why they are the way they are.”
Grahym’s closing message was in sync with The American Legion’s Buddy Check program and Be the One mission.
“If you’re someone out there listening right now that feels alone in your experience, know that you don’t have to do it alone ... it can just start with something as simple as picking up the phone or sending a text to somebody you served with who maybe you haven’t spoken to in a long time and might really want to hear from you. That connective tissue is really important but can be really challenging.”
“Sheepdog” is available in select theaters this month and will be released nationwide in January. Visit the movie’s website and/or VetTix to learn more.
Also in this episode co-hosts Adam Marr and Joe Worley talk about:
• The record $23.3 billion in benefits that accredited American Legion service officers got for veterans — at no charge — during the most recent fiscal year.
• Regular Buddy Checks for the Army during the holiday season.
• The six most memorable podcast episodes of the sixth season, which will be re-released in the coming week.
You can also check out the more than 300 Tango Alpha Lima podcasts available in both audio and video formats here. You can also download episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify other major podcast-hosting sites. The video version is available at the Legion’s YouTube channel.
- Tango Alpha Lima