The film series SBTD director, Aaron Martinez is a retired Sergeant First Class, Army veteran, and has worked on film projects for several non-profit organizations after completing his military career. In his films, he specializes in capturing people’s messages, agendas and life experiences to help create positive discourse and development. Season One of "Struggle Beyond The Decade" featured veter
ans and members of Task Force (TF) 1/34 Armor Regiment (AR). Aaron interviewed veterans and members that deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) I & II in 2003-2004. In season I he concentrated specifically on TF 1/34 AR members’ stories and their sharp insights into how they have handled transitioning after undergoing hostile combat operations and acquiring PTSD. Already intensely focused on producing the film series, Aaron's motivation escalated even further after the loss of a fellow veteran whose PTSD resulted in an unexpected su***de. Some soldiers have not been able to make the transition into civilian life as easy as others. Aaron has taken a strong stand to make a difference in his brothers’ struggles and is determined to re-establish a connection with the members of the veteran community. The aim of this film series is to help prevent veteran su***des and to help others dealing with similar issues. By relating insightful transitional stories, veterans can forge a realistic, shared idea of how to belong to a world so obscure, especially for those members diagnosed with severe PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. Hopefully, many people will view this documentary series, so many people have already re connecting with veteran friends, re establish positive relationships and providing first response networks. This film project is now on it's second season with its primary focus to find and tell the stories of veterans that are doing amazing and positive things to help them find new purpose and direction. Raising funds for this project will be crucial to completing its authentic and varietal perspective. Supporting this cause will increase the number of members who can be visited and interviewed; unit members are spread across the United States and traveling to them can be difficult. All raised funds will go towards travel arrangements and future production costs. To contribute to the making of this film, please make any donation possible at https://www.gofundme.com/2aazk5bm. Any donation amount will help continue this project. Thank you!
