Travis: A Soldier's Story

Being familiar with this Soldier's true life story of survival from the moment he became another casualty of the horrors of war, I was prepared to be complacent watching the film of his life. But no, it was so well done, directed and produced, that I was deeply touched all over again at the true commitment that SSG Travis Mills had and continues to have to recover and return to being the best Soldier, husband, father and member of our American community at large! He is a true inspiration to all of us and a joy to see and hear on film. Standing strong by his side is his beautiful bride, Kelsey, who has an equal commitment to the man and his mission. I have added this movie to my DVD collection. Well done all!

They say it a lot, but this time it's true. This film is a must see. The story of SSG Travis Mills and his recovery is absolutely inspiring. But not just inspiring, it's motivating. After watching this film, you will definitely have a new appreciation for your life, your family, and those who serve every day to protect and defend your freedom. For most people, the cost of that freedom will never be fully understood, but getting to watch SSG Travis Mills on his journey will help. So thankful for people like Travis, and thankful for his attitude, even after the injury. Please take time to watch this film, you will be so glad you did!

I learned about this video after reading "As Tough As They Come" by SSG Travis Mills. I read his book alone over the course of a weekend, but then I read it again, aloud, one chapter per Monday night, for 17 consecutive weeks. The second reading was in a medium security prison where I volunteer, and the audience was approximately 20 inmates who attend my program. The book is a riveting, sometimes heart-breaking, and always inspirational story about overcoming extreme adversity. While my program is called Catholic Video, I was granted some flexibility in how I choose to conduct it, and I chose a format of praying with the men, teaching them about the Saints, reading them a faith-based or inspirational story, and then watching a faith-based or inspirational video with them. Being with these men on Monday nights is the highlight of my week. When I finished reading "As Tough As They Come," the men actually clapped. This was the first time in my two years of volunteering that they had clapped for anything. I asked them if they would like me to try and track down the author and tell him how much they enjoyed his story. I received in reply a resounding YES! I never actually reached Travis, but I learned that his foundation had produced a video called "Travis: A Soldier's Story." Fotolanthropy, the copyright holder, graciously granted me permission to show the video in the prison. So I purchased the video and we watched it together this past Monday night. They loved it! Because of the book, the men knew all of the characters in the video, who were either interviewed, portrayed in old photographs or videos, or played themselves by re-enacting scenes that were important to the telling of the story. If sniffling and eye-wiping, albeit subdued and discreet, is an outward sign of compassion, the room was filled with compassionate people, men who were at the same time inspired to overcome their own adversities. I highly recommend this video to anyone who is feeling sorry for him/herself, and anyone who wants to see demonstrations of courage, sacrifice, determination, steadfastness, and above all faith and love.