"Tim’s wound did not have to be fatal, but it killed him nevertheless." Sebastian Junger
After the initial blow of the news of Tim's death and learning that Tim bled out from his wounds, Sebastian Junger spearheaded a project to train and equip freelance journalist to treat life threatening injuries on the battlefield. Tim bled out in the back of a pickup truck while on the way to the hospital in Misrata because none of the Libyan Rebels or journalists with him knew what to do to stop the bleeding and save his life. It was a second huge blow (his death being the biggest one) to know that he could have lived if only someone had known how to apply pressure to his wound to stop the bleeding.
When Sebastian learned of how Tim died he made it a mission to do anything he could so that this might never happen again. "Tim is not the first friend I have lost in combat, but his death was certainly the most devastating. It has prompted me to start a medical training program for freelancer journalists so that the next tragedy can be averted. Our course is modeled after informal training that Tim and I received in Afghanistan and is taught by experienced medics, many with extensive combat experience." (Sebastian Junger)
Today, on the one year anniversary of Tim Hetherington's and Chris Hondros' deaths from a mortar attack in Misrata, Libya, the first class of 25 will finish their three day Reporters Instructed in Saving Colleagues seminar held in New York City. This fall and winter additional seminars will be held in London and Beirut. The classes will continue to be held on an annual basis in NYC, London and Beirut.
Showing posts with label tim hetherington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tim hetherington. Show all posts
Friday, April 20, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Tim Hetherington - A Gaping Hole That Won't Completely Heal
IN MEMORIAM
Tim Hetherington at OP Restrepo
December 5, 1970 to April 20, 2011
"There is no way to express my devastation and sorrow at the death of my dear friend, Tim Hetherington in Misrata, Libya. Tim was one of the most courageous and principled journalists I have ever known. The good that he accomplished – both with his camera, and simply as a concerned person in some of the most devastated countries in the world – cannot be measured. I can’t believe he is truly gone." Sebastian Junger; April 20, 2011
The morning of April 20, 2011 I received the following text message, "Is Sebastian in Libya?" I replied that he wasn't and asked why. A text came back, "We're getting information that Tim (Hetherington) has been killed in Libya."
From that point on the rest of the day is a blur for the most part but I do remember picking up the phone and calling Sebastian. When he answered I knew from the tone of his voice that it was true but I remembering asking, "Is it true?" I clearly remember his response, "yes." I also remember the remainder of our short conversation which I choose not to share here. I hung up the phone and, as many others were also doing, I wept harder than I have in a long, long time. As hard as I was crying I still kept thinking to myself that it could not possibly be true.
By 11:00 am CNN had Tim's face all over their website with the news of his death and that of Chris Hondros. I didn't know Chris Hondros but everyone I knew who knew Tim was in a state of shock and saddened beyond belief. It just could not be. The loss of both of these men resonated around the world - literally.
By Thursday night Tim's and Chris's bodies had arrived at the port city of Benghazi, Libya where international journalists and photographers along with Libyan Rebels held a memorial for them. Tim was laid to rest on May 13, 2011 in Great Britain.
Last known photo taken of Tim in Misrata, Libya
On Tuesday May 24, 2011 a Celebration of Life Departed was held for Tim Hetherington at The First Presbyterian Church in New York City. In his eulogy Sebastian Junger said, “He was terrifyingly brave, and he made them (the Soldiers) laugh. If you can do only those two things and not fall behind on patrol they [the soldiers] are good to you.”
Junger said, “Tim changed the world with his work, and the world changed him. He was seeking those changes.” He said Hetherington “allowed people access to his heart.” In his work in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, Junger said, Hetherington was a better journalist thanks to his openness to experiences and people.
Brendan O'Byrne, one of the Soldiers Tim spent time with at OP Restrepo, spoke on behalf of the Soldiers in attendance and all of those who couldn't be there. As he spoke three other Soldiers who were at OP Restrepo, Marc Solowski, Santana Rueda and Aron Hijar, stood solemnly behind him. Brendan said, in part, "He came a stranger and left a brother" said O’Byrne. “He went out there again and again and again. He didn’t have to.” He noted, “If it weren’t for him, our stories would have been lost in the chaos of war.”
O’Byrne said Hetherington continued their friendship after their time in Afghanistan. “I came home with a massive amount of PTSD. Tim let me stay in his house,” and asked for nothing in return. “He said, ‘Get your feet on the ground, and don’t drink.’ ” O’Byrne said he had no words to describe what Hetherington meant to the platoon. “We cared about him so much.”
The love of Tim's life, Idil, said "many mourned him as a talented photographer, filmmaker, teacher, colleague, friend, “and brother from the front line.” To Ibrahim, however, Hetherington was, among other things, “partner, love, future, friend,” as well as “movie star,” “preferred dance partner,” “poet,” and “fashion stylist.” Though she said, “I mourn the loss of our future together” and “the children we’ll never have,” she noted that shortly before Hetherington left for Libya, they had a conversation about death. “I’ve truly lived,” Hetherington told her. She said Hetherington “exuded joie de vivre,” and was “the most brilliant person I know.” She said, “He taught me most about love and for that I’m truly grateful.”
And Tim's sister, Victoria, shared with the over flowing crowd in the church, that Tim's energy, curiosity and desire to engage with people were evident even at a young age. Both siblings emphasized that Hetherington, who was born in England, “loved his life in New York,” and in particular, Victoria noted, “the lifelong friends” he made there. Victoria noted how much Hetherington enjoyed the company of his friends’ children and his own nephew and niece. After she informed her children of their uncle’s death, she said, her four-year-old daughter worried that God wouldn’t let him into heaven: “Because he’s the naughtiest person. He throws us in the swimming pool with all our clothes on.”
Victoria quoted a line attributed to Abraham Lincoln: “In the end it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years,” and expressed her gratitude that her brother had experienced so much in his 40 years.
was one of the kindest, funniest, most caring and deeply loving people I've ever know despite his own personal struggles. I have missed Tim deeply every day since his passing and doubt that emotion will ever subside. I hope it doesn't. Tim was one of those people who made me a better person. I'd give most anything to hear his laugh one more time, see his smile one more time and for one more hug.
Tim filming in Afghanistan:
One of my many favorite photos of Tim:
CSM Caldwell, me and Tim at Fort Campbell's screening of Restrepo
Tim's life continues to be remembered and celebrated in many ways through exhibits of his work, a program developed by Sebastian Junger and others to train journalist and photo journalists on combat first aid and through other avenues. His spirit will live forever in the hearts of people from countries in which he made such a difference such as in Liberia.
These are for you Tim. We love you and miss you every single day. Please continue to watch over the Soldiers, journalists and photographers and legion of other friends who consider you their brother.
One Love by Bob Marley
Redemption Song by Bob Marley
Rest in peace dear friend. You are missed beyond any words I know of to express the loss we continue to feel.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Tim Hetherington - A Celebration of Life Departed - May 24, 2011
"There is no way to express my devastation and sorrow at the death of my dear friend, Tim Hetherington in Misrata, Libya. Tim was one of the most courageous and principled journalists I have ever known. The good that he accomplished – both with his camera, and simply as a concerned person in some of the most devastated countries in the world – cannot be measured. I can’t believe he is truly gone." Sebastian Junger; April 20, 2011
Like so many who knew Tim I'll never forget the morning of April 20, 2011. About mid morning I got a text message from someone wanting to know "where is Sebastian?" I thought that was an odd text message. I replied that I knew he'd been in New York a couple of days prior. Then I got a message that their was "chatter" that Tim Hetherington had been killed in Libya. I replied back that I didn't believe that could be true as Sebastian had told me Tim had left Libya and was on his way home. But then I got a message that their were definitely reports that Tim "may" have died in Libya. So I called Sebastian. To be quite honest I remember very little about our short conversation other than him confirming it to be true. Within a half hour the media exploded with news of Tim and Chris Hondros' death. I, like many, was devastated.
On Tuesday May 24, 2011 a Celebration of Life Departed was held for Tim Hetherington at The First Presbyterian Church in New York City. I was honored and grateful that Sebastian invited me to attend. The Gothic style church built in the mid 1800s was packed; even the balconies were filled, with friends and colleagues. Tim's parents, sister and brother from England were in attendance. It was a somber, joyous, moving and painfully emotional celebration.
After the Welcome and Invocation followed by a time of Meditation, Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven was played on the church's grand piano. Sebastian Junger left his seat to stand before the crowd and eulogize Tim. I had spoken briefly with Sebastian a few times since Tim's death and his voice always gave away his sorrow and anguish. But seeing him that day really brought it all home how deeply Tim's death was affecting him. His grief was visible. In true Sebastian style when he spotted me he came over to give me a hug. I didn't want to let go.
As Sebastian walked up the steps and to the pulpit I couldn't stop the tears. I was grateful to have a dear friend, Jo Lombardi, sitting next to me. In part he said, “He was terrifyingly brave, and he made them laugh. If you can do only those two things and not fall behind on patrol they [the soldiers] are good to you.”
Junger said, “Tim changed the world with his work, and the world changed him. He was seeking those changes.” He said Hetherington “allowed people access to his heart.” In his work in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, Junger said, Hetherington was a better journalist thanks to his openness to experiences and people.
At one point in his eulogy Sebastian recommended to all those who knew and loved Tim to "talk to him." He said he had done a lot of talking to Tim over the past weeks and it had helped him immeasurably.
Franz Schubert's Piano Trio in E Flat Andante conmoto was played by a trio of piano, cello and violin. The musical interludes were an incredible touch throughout the service. They allow time to reflect on what each speaker had said and for most of us it allowed time to pull ourselves together.
Brendan O'Byrne, Aron Hijar, Santana Rueda and Marc Solowski quietly moved from their seats to the pulpit. All four men are former Paratroopers of Battle Company, 2-503rd, 173rd. Tim and Sebastian spent many months with these men and their battle buddies at OP Restrepo in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan. As Brendan approached the microphone the other 3 men quietly stood shoulder to shoulder in support of him. Brendan began to deliver a speech he had written on behalf of the Soldiers. Not long into his speech he paused and said something along the lines of "this prepared speech doesn't feel right. I'd like to just speak about what Tim meant to all of us."
“He came a stranger and left a brother,” said O’Byrne. “He went out there again and again and again. He didn’t have to.” He noted, “If it weren’t for him, our stories would have been lost in the chaos of war.”
O’Byrne said Hetherington continued their friendship after their time in Afghanistan. “I came home with a massive amount of PTSD. Tim let me stay in his house,” and asked for nothing in return. “He said, ‘Get your feet on the ground, and don’t drink.’ ” O’Byrne said he had no words to describe what Hetherington meant to the platoon. “We cared about him so much.”
There wasn't a dry eye in the church at the end of Brendan's eulogy. As the four men quietly walked back to their seats I couldn't help but notice how they had allowed the "Warrior" to take over. Total professionals. No outward showing of emotion but their eyes gave them each away. I've never been so proud of four men in my life. My heart was physically hurting for them and there was nothing I could do.
After another musical interlude the love of Tim's life, Idil Ibrahim, stepped to the pulpit. Idil's
Among many things, Idil said of Tim, "many mourned him as a talented photographer, filmmaker, teacher, colleague, friend, “and brother from the front line.” To Ibrahim, however, Hetherington was, among other things, “partner, love, future, friend,” as well as “movie star,” “preferred dance partner,” “poet,” and “fashion stylist.” Though she said, “I mourn the loss of our future together” and “the children we’ll never have,” she noted that shortly before Hetherington left for Libya, they had a conversation about death. “I’ve truly lived,” Hetherington told her. She said Hetherington “exuded joie de vivre,” and was “the most brilliant person I know.” She said, “He taught me most about love and for that I’m truly grateful.”
Christopher Anderson was next to eulogize Tim. He and Mike Kamber (who followed Christopher) are both photographers who have known and worked with Tim. Christopher said "that while poring over Hetherington’s work recently, he forgot about photographic craft, and felt that he was seeing into people’s lives. “His work was not about reporting a story but about recording an experience he shared with people,” Anderson said, before reading an impressionistic passage from the foreword to Hetherington’s first book, "Long Story Bit by Bit: Liberia Retold," in which he had described the sights and rhythms of a street in Monrovia."
I am fortunate to have an autographed copy of "Long Story Bit by Bit: Liberia Retold". It is a moving and powerful work about the people of Liberia during their civil war. It already was a cherished item but is even more so now.
Between Christopher and Mike, Meta Dia and Shahar Mintz sang Redemption Song by Bob Marley. I struggled to remain composed as I watch Sebastian's shoulders shake from grief as the two men were singing.
Mike Kamber told "that for a generation of photographers, Hetherington seemed to be “leading us forward. He was changing photojournalism. He was also leading us forward as a human being” through his humility and imagination. Hetherington, he said, was capable of “flights of fancy,” like an idea he had to do a piece on soldiers sleeping in their outpost in Afghanistan. The idea became Hetherington’s acclaimed multimedia installation, “Sleeping Soldiers.”
After Mike spoke there was a video tribute to Tim. A selection of photos that Tim had taken as well as photos of him throughout his professional life filled a large screen that was wheeled to the center of the church. Stay Together for the Kids by Blink 182 played as the imagines by Tim and of Tim passed one by one.
Tim's sister, Victoria, and his brother, Guy, made their way to the pulpit. They, along with Tim's parents, had flown in from London for the service. Victoria stepped to the pulpit and told story after story about growing up with Tim. She had us all laughing and smiling as we remembered him.
She spoke of how Tim's energy, curiosity and desire to engage with people were evident even at a young age. Both siblings emphasized that Hetherington, who was born in England, “loved his life in New York,” and in particular, Victoria noted, “the lifelong friends” he made there. Victoria noted how much Hetherington enjoyed the company of his friends’ children and his own nephew and niece. After she informed her children of their uncle’s death, she said, her four-year-old daughter worried that God wouldn’t let him into heaven: “Because he’s the naughtiest person. He throws us in the swimming pool with all our clothes on.”
Victoria quoted a line attributed to Abraham Lincoln: “In the end it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years,” and expressed her gratitude that her brother had experienced so much in his 40 years.
Meta Dia and Shahar Mintz again stepped forward. This time it was to perform One Love by Bob Marley. It was next to impossible but some how I kept from making a fool of myself as the emotion took over. As I sat there thinking of Tim, listening to the lyrics and watching Sebastian, Tim's siblings and parents and those who had worked with him give in to the emotion it was overwhelming.
Towards the middle of the song Brendan, Santana, Marc and Aron quietly moved from their seats, stepped towards the front of the church them, single file, made their way around the side and to the back. Thankfully I knew what was coming but I still found myself ill prepared. I turned to look towards the back of the church and saw them moving silently up the aisle. Santana and Marc were each holding a folded American flag. (I apologize for the poor quality of the photo)
Sebastian described this part of the service best in a recent Vanity Fair article:
"Finally four American vets stood up, men from Battle Company of the 173rd Airborne who had been under fire with Tim and me many times in eastern Afghanistan. They filed out of their pew carrying two folded American flags that had been sent by Senator John McCain, himself a veteran of Vietnam. The young men presented my country’s flag to the Hetherington family and then to Idil. (Note by blog author - the men didn't file from their seats with the flag - rather they came from the rear of the church).
I missed most of that beautiful moment because I was crying too hard, but later I did savor one comforting thought: this may be one of the few countries in the world where a senator would see fit to present the national flag to a woman of Somali origin in honor of an Englishman killed in Libya. Whatever criticisms one might level at our county, we are sometimes capable of including the entire world in our embrace. In the midst of our painful debate about immigration, about war, and about our responsibility to other countries, it is an important thing to remember. It was perhaps one of the reasons that Tim had moved here—to escape what he felt to be the stultifying atmosphere of London."
Santana and Aron presented a flag to Idil:
While Marc and Brendan presented one to Tim's parents, sister and Brother. (This photo is awful but it's all I have)
I am grateful to Andi Fehl for contacting Senator McCain's office and hand delivering the flags. VERY GRATEFUL. Thank you Andi.
After the service concluded the crowd made its way quietly out of the church. There were many hugs exchanged but very little in the way of conversation. It was an exceptionally somber time and evident that Tim Hetherington was missed as much that day - if not even more - than the day the news of his terribly early and untimely death raced around the globe.
After the service a reception was held at aperture gallery where Tim's works of "Sleeping Soldiers" and his introspective film "Diary" are still on display.
A friend of Tim's from their high school (boarding school) years had brought along a stack of photos from those early years. I wish I had written his name down but didn't. He shared photo after photo with us (including Aron, Marc, Santana and Brendan) while telling very animated stories about each photo.
Photos of Tim in High School:
Sebastian graciously introduced me to Tim's father, Alistair, at the reception. I cannot even begin to tell you what a privilege it was to speak with him for a few minutes. The sadness in his eyes was immeasurable and struck me to the core of my heart. As I conveyed condolences to he and his family from a number of people who had asked me to do so his composure, thankfulness and graciousness were comforting. He expressed his thankfulness to all of those who are mourning Tim's loss and for all of the kind words and support.
I really don't know how to end this post. I think of Tim, Idil and Sebastian every day. Even though I attended the celebration of life departed for Tim it still just doesn't seem real or possible that he is gone. And in so many ways, so very many ways, it just seems so wrong and unfair. He did so much for so many- many who don't even know him . I know that his legacy will carry on forever. But to think of what he would have done if given more years on this earth, well, I cannot comprehend all that he would have accomplished and all of the lives he would have touched.
So I guess I'll just close with this photo of the men of Restrepo, the ROCK Paratroopers, who were there to represent their Platoon and Regiment. Beyond that they were there to remember and mourn one of their brothers - another one of their brothers taken way too soon.
Tim Hetherington
December 5, 1970 to April 20, 2011
Like so many who knew Tim I'll never forget the morning of April 20, 2011. About mid morning I got a text message from someone wanting to know "where is Sebastian?" I thought that was an odd text message. I replied that I knew he'd been in New York a couple of days prior. Then I got a message that their was "chatter" that Tim Hetherington had been killed in Libya. I replied back that I didn't believe that could be true as Sebastian had told me Tim had left Libya and was on his way home. But then I got a message that their were definitely reports that Tim "may" have died in Libya. So I called Sebastian. To be quite honest I remember very little about our short conversation other than him confirming it to be true. Within a half hour the media exploded with news of Tim and Chris Hondros' death. I, like many, was devastated.
On Tuesday May 24, 2011 a Celebration of Life Departed was held for Tim Hetherington at The First Presbyterian Church in New York City. I was honored and grateful that Sebastian invited me to attend. The Gothic style church built in the mid 1800s was packed; even the balconies were filled, with friends and colleagues. Tim's parents, sister and brother from England were in attendance. It was a somber, joyous, moving and painfully emotional celebration.
After the Welcome and Invocation followed by a time of Meditation, Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven was played on the church's grand piano. Sebastian Junger left his seat to stand before the crowd and eulogize Tim. I had spoken briefly with Sebastian a few times since Tim's death and his voice always gave away his sorrow and anguish. But seeing him that day really brought it all home how deeply Tim's death was affecting him. His grief was visible. In true Sebastian style when he spotted me he came over to give me a hug. I didn't want to let go.
As Sebastian walked up the steps and to the pulpit I couldn't stop the tears. I was grateful to have a dear friend, Jo Lombardi, sitting next to me. In part he said, “He was terrifyingly brave, and he made them laugh. If you can do only those two things and not fall behind on patrol they [the soldiers] are good to you.”
Junger said, “Tim changed the world with his work, and the world changed him. He was seeking those changes.” He said Hetherington “allowed people access to his heart.” In his work in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, Junger said, Hetherington was a better journalist thanks to his openness to experiences and people.
At one point in his eulogy Sebastian recommended to all those who knew and loved Tim to "talk to him." He said he had done a lot of talking to Tim over the past weeks and it had helped him immeasurably.
Franz Schubert's Piano Trio in E Flat Andante conmoto was played by a trio of piano, cello and violin. The musical interludes were an incredible touch throughout the service. They allow time to reflect on what each speaker had said and for most of us it allowed time to pull ourselves together.
Brendan O'Byrne, Aron Hijar, Santana Rueda and Marc Solowski quietly moved from their seats to the pulpit. All four men are former Paratroopers of Battle Company, 2-503rd, 173rd. Tim and Sebastian spent many months with these men and their battle buddies at OP Restrepo in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan. As Brendan approached the microphone the other 3 men quietly stood shoulder to shoulder in support of him. Brendan began to deliver a speech he had written on behalf of the Soldiers. Not long into his speech he paused and said something along the lines of "this prepared speech doesn't feel right. I'd like to just speak about what Tim meant to all of us."
“He came a stranger and left a brother,” said O’Byrne. “He went out there again and again and again. He didn’t have to.” He noted, “If it weren’t for him, our stories would have been lost in the chaos of war.”
O’Byrne said Hetherington continued their friendship after their time in Afghanistan. “I came home with a massive amount of PTSD. Tim let me stay in his house,” and asked for nothing in return. “He said, ‘Get your feet on the ground, and don’t drink.’ ” O’Byrne said he had no words to describe what Hetherington meant to the platoon. “We cared about him so much.”
There wasn't a dry eye in the church at the end of Brendan's eulogy. As the four men quietly walked back to their seats I couldn't help but notice how they had allowed the "Warrior" to take over. Total professionals. No outward showing of emotion but their eyes gave them each away. I've never been so proud of four men in my life. My heart was physically hurting for them and there was nothing I could do.
After another musical interlude the love of Tim's life, Idil Ibrahim, stepped to the pulpit. Idil's
Among many things, Idil said of Tim, "many mourned him as a talented photographer, filmmaker, teacher, colleague, friend, “and brother from the front line.” To Ibrahim, however, Hetherington was, among other things, “partner, love, future, friend,” as well as “movie star,” “preferred dance partner,” “poet,” and “fashion stylist.” Though she said, “I mourn the loss of our future together” and “the children we’ll never have,” she noted that shortly before Hetherington left for Libya, they had a conversation about death. “I’ve truly lived,” Hetherington told her. She said Hetherington “exuded joie de vivre,” and was “the most brilliant person I know.” She said, “He taught me most about love and for that I’m truly grateful.”
Christopher Anderson was next to eulogize Tim. He and Mike Kamber (who followed Christopher) are both photographers who have known and worked with Tim. Christopher said "that while poring over Hetherington’s work recently, he forgot about photographic craft, and felt that he was seeing into people’s lives. “His work was not about reporting a story but about recording an experience he shared with people,” Anderson said, before reading an impressionistic passage from the foreword to Hetherington’s first book, "Long Story Bit by Bit: Liberia Retold," in which he had described the sights and rhythms of a street in Monrovia."
I am fortunate to have an autographed copy of "Long Story Bit by Bit: Liberia Retold". It is a moving and powerful work about the people of Liberia during their civil war. It already was a cherished item but is even more so now.
Between Christopher and Mike, Meta Dia and Shahar Mintz sang Redemption Song by Bob Marley. I struggled to remain composed as I watch Sebastian's shoulders shake from grief as the two men were singing.
Mike Kamber told "that for a generation of photographers, Hetherington seemed to be “leading us forward. He was changing photojournalism. He was also leading us forward as a human being” through his humility and imagination. Hetherington, he said, was capable of “flights of fancy,” like an idea he had to do a piece on soldiers sleeping in their outpost in Afghanistan. The idea became Hetherington’s acclaimed multimedia installation, “Sleeping Soldiers.”
After Mike spoke there was a video tribute to Tim. A selection of photos that Tim had taken as well as photos of him throughout his professional life filled a large screen that was wheeled to the center of the church. Stay Together for the Kids by Blink 182 played as the imagines by Tim and of Tim passed one by one.
Tim's sister, Victoria, and his brother, Guy, made their way to the pulpit. They, along with Tim's parents, had flown in from London for the service. Victoria stepped to the pulpit and told story after story about growing up with Tim. She had us all laughing and smiling as we remembered him.
She spoke of how Tim's energy, curiosity and desire to engage with people were evident even at a young age. Both siblings emphasized that Hetherington, who was born in England, “loved his life in New York,” and in particular, Victoria noted, “the lifelong friends” he made there. Victoria noted how much Hetherington enjoyed the company of his friends’ children and his own nephew and niece. After she informed her children of their uncle’s death, she said, her four-year-old daughter worried that God wouldn’t let him into heaven: “Because he’s the naughtiest person. He throws us in the swimming pool with all our clothes on.”
Victoria quoted a line attributed to Abraham Lincoln: “In the end it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years,” and expressed her gratitude that her brother had experienced so much in his 40 years.
Meta Dia and Shahar Mintz again stepped forward. This time it was to perform One Love by Bob Marley. It was next to impossible but some how I kept from making a fool of myself as the emotion took over. As I sat there thinking of Tim, listening to the lyrics and watching Sebastian, Tim's siblings and parents and those who had worked with him give in to the emotion it was overwhelming.
Towards the middle of the song Brendan, Santana, Marc and Aron quietly moved from their seats, stepped towards the front of the church them, single file, made their way around the side and to the back. Thankfully I knew what was coming but I still found myself ill prepared. I turned to look towards the back of the church and saw them moving silently up the aisle. Santana and Marc were each holding a folded American flag. (I apologize for the poor quality of the photo)
Sebastian described this part of the service best in a recent Vanity Fair article:
"Finally four American vets stood up, men from Battle Company of the 173rd Airborne who had been under fire with Tim and me many times in eastern Afghanistan. They filed out of their pew carrying two folded American flags that had been sent by Senator John McCain, himself a veteran of Vietnam. The young men presented my country’s flag to the Hetherington family and then to Idil. (Note by blog author - the men didn't file from their seats with the flag - rather they came from the rear of the church).
I missed most of that beautiful moment because I was crying too hard, but later I did savor one comforting thought: this may be one of the few countries in the world where a senator would see fit to present the national flag to a woman of Somali origin in honor of an Englishman killed in Libya. Whatever criticisms one might level at our county, we are sometimes capable of including the entire world in our embrace. In the midst of our painful debate about immigration, about war, and about our responsibility to other countries, it is an important thing to remember. It was perhaps one of the reasons that Tim had moved here—to escape what he felt to be the stultifying atmosphere of London."
Santana and Aron presented a flag to Idil:
While Marc and Brendan presented one to Tim's parents, sister and Brother. (This photo is awful but it's all I have)
I am grateful to Andi Fehl for contacting Senator McCain's office and hand delivering the flags. VERY GRATEFUL. Thank you Andi.
After the service concluded the crowd made its way quietly out of the church. There were many hugs exchanged but very little in the way of conversation. It was an exceptionally somber time and evident that Tim Hetherington was missed as much that day - if not even more - than the day the news of his terribly early and untimely death raced around the globe.
After the service a reception was held at aperture gallery where Tim's works of "Sleeping Soldiers" and his introspective film "Diary" are still on display.
A friend of Tim's from their high school (boarding school) years had brought along a stack of photos from those early years. I wish I had written his name down but didn't. He shared photo after photo with us (including Aron, Marc, Santana and Brendan) while telling very animated stories about each photo.
Photos of Tim in High School:
Sebastian graciously introduced me to Tim's father, Alistair, at the reception. I cannot even begin to tell you what a privilege it was to speak with him for a few minutes. The sadness in his eyes was immeasurable and struck me to the core of my heart. As I conveyed condolences to he and his family from a number of people who had asked me to do so his composure, thankfulness and graciousness were comforting. He expressed his thankfulness to all of those who are mourning Tim's loss and for all of the kind words and support.
I really don't know how to end this post. I think of Tim, Idil and Sebastian every day. Even though I attended the celebration of life departed for Tim it still just doesn't seem real or possible that he is gone. And in so many ways, so very many ways, it just seems so wrong and unfair. He did so much for so many- many who don't even know him . I know that his legacy will carry on forever. But to think of what he would have done if given more years on this earth, well, I cannot comprehend all that he would have accomplished and all of the lives he would have touched.
So I guess I'll just close with this photo of the men of Restrepo, the ROCK Paratroopers, who were there to represent their Platoon and Regiment. Beyond that they were there to remember and mourn one of their brothers - another one of their brothers taken way too soon.
Marc, Brendan, Aron and Santana
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Memorial Day Events Tied to Our ROCK Paratroopers
As Memorial Day approaches I know of many events tied directly to the 173rd, 2-503rd. I wish I could attend them all. Since I cannot I want to at least mention them all here. I hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend but please remember, this is a time to remember all of those who have given their lives on behalf of this great nation.
Beats for a Bench Veterans Memorial Benefit will be held on Saturday, May 21, from 4pm – 11pm at the Expo Center in Long Beach, 4321 Atlantic Avenue Long Beach CA.
This is a memorial fundraiser being hosted for Sergeant Israel Garcia, who was killed in the battle of Wanat in Afghanistan in 2008. To acknowledge his sacrifice and accomplishments “Beats for a Bench,” will raise money for a memorial bench to honor Sgt Israel Garcia at his High School, Long Beach Poly. Additional funds raised at the event will support the Long Beach City College Veterans Group to create an on-campus memorial to honor veterans, and to US Vets towards helping them accomplish their goal of "The successful transition of military veterans and their families through the provision of housing, counseling, career development and comprehensive support."
While it's not a Memorial Day event, Defenders of Freedom is hosting Tee It Up Fore The Troops at the Dallas Cowboy's Golf Course on Monday May 23rd. Several former ROCK Paratroopers as well as men from 4-4, 3-61 CAV who survived the battle of COP Keating will be attending this incredible event along with many more Wounded Warriors and Veterans. I am grateful to Donna Cranston and her organization for including them this year.
The field is full but there are still ways to support this incredible event. More information can be found here.
On Tuesday May 24th family, colleagues and friends will gather in New York City to celebrate the life of Tim Hetherington. Many ROCK Paratroopers will be in attendance at Tim's celebration of life.
On Saturday May 28th two events will take place to honor fallen members of the 173rd, 2-503rd from OEF VIII.
CPL Jason Hovater, who died in the battle of Wanat, Afghanistan on 13 July 2008 will posthumously be presented the Silver Star for his actions that day. CPL Hovater had been awarded the BSMV. It is more than fitting that the award has been upgraded to the Silver Star. The event will take place at the World's Fair Park in Knoxville, TN at 10:00 AM. I know that many of The Chosen Few and their families will be in attendance. You can read CPL Hovater's Silver Star Citation here.
Also on May 28th a War Memorial will be dedicated at Washington Park, Cheboygan, MI from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM. This Memorial is for all those who have and continue to serve in the War on Terror, OIF & OEF as well as for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. SFC Matthew Blaskowski's name will be etched on the monument. SFC Blaskowski died as a result of a sniper's bullet during a firefight while serving at Firebase Vegas, Kunar Province, Afghanistan on 23 September 2007. At the time of his death SFC Blaskowski was serving with the 173rd, 2-503rd Battle Company.
From Saturday May 28th through Monday May 30th many of the Battle Company ROCK Paratroopers will gather near Madison, WI to remember SGT Josh Brennan. Josh died on 26 October 2007 as a result of multiple wounds from an ambush in Afghanistan on 25 October 2007.
While this coming Memorial Day weekend is a time set aside for us, as a nation, to remember all of our fallen heroes it is also a very difficult time for the widows, the families of the fallen and all of their friends. Please keep them all in your prayers.
Beats for a Bench Veterans Memorial Benefit will be held on Saturday, May 21, from 4pm – 11pm at the Expo Center in Long Beach, 4321 Atlantic Avenue Long Beach CA.
This is a memorial fundraiser being hosted for Sergeant Israel Garcia, who was killed in the battle of Wanat in Afghanistan in 2008. To acknowledge his sacrifice and accomplishments “Beats for a Bench,” will raise money for a memorial bench to honor Sgt Israel Garcia at his High School, Long Beach Poly. Additional funds raised at the event will support the Long Beach City College Veterans Group to create an on-campus memorial to honor veterans, and to US Vets towards helping them accomplish their goal of "The successful transition of military veterans and their families through the provision of housing, counseling, career development and comprehensive support."
While it's not a Memorial Day event, Defenders of Freedom is hosting Tee It Up Fore The Troops at the Dallas Cowboy's Golf Course on Monday May 23rd. Several former ROCK Paratroopers as well as men from 4-4, 3-61 CAV who survived the battle of COP Keating will be attending this incredible event along with many more Wounded Warriors and Veterans. I am grateful to Donna Cranston and her organization for including them this year.
On Tuesday May 24th family, colleagues and friends will gather in New York City to celebrate the life of Tim Hetherington. Many ROCK Paratroopers will be in attendance at Tim's celebration of life.
Tim Hetherington - taken at OP Restrepo
On Saturday May 28th two events will take place to honor fallen members of the 173rd, 2-503rd from OEF VIII.
CPL Jason Hovater, who died in the battle of Wanat, Afghanistan on 13 July 2008 will posthumously be presented the Silver Star for his actions that day. CPL Hovater had been awarded the BSMV. It is more than fitting that the award has been upgraded to the Silver Star. The event will take place at the World's Fair Park in Knoxville, TN at 10:00 AM. I know that many of The Chosen Few and their families will be in attendance. You can read CPL Hovater's Silver Star Citation here.
Also on May 28th a War Memorial will be dedicated at Washington Park, Cheboygan, MI from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM. This Memorial is for all those who have and continue to serve in the War on Terror, OIF & OEF as well as for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. SFC Matthew Blaskowski's name will be etched on the monument. SFC Blaskowski died as a result of a sniper's bullet during a firefight while serving at Firebase Vegas, Kunar Province, Afghanistan on 23 September 2007. At the time of his death SFC Blaskowski was serving with the 173rd, 2-503rd Battle Company.
SFC Matthew Blaskowski
From Saturday May 28th through Monday May 30th many of the Battle Company ROCK Paratroopers will gather near Madison, WI to remember SGT Josh Brennan. Josh died on 26 October 2007 as a result of multiple wounds from an ambush in Afghanistan on 25 October 2007.
SGT Joshua Brennan
While this coming Memorial Day weekend is a time set aside for us, as a nation, to remember all of our fallen heroes it is also a very difficult time for the widows, the families of the fallen and all of their friends. Please keep them all in your prayers.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tim Hetherington
SGM Caldwell, me, Tim
"It was an emotional hit. He was a good man who lived his life for others." - COL Bill Ostlund
I'm breaking a rule tonight. I'm sitting on my patio drinking alone. I'm drinking to the life of Tim Hetherington. No, I'm not drinking to his memory. I don't want to "remember" him. I want to hug him. I want to listen to that British accent for hours. I want to see that smile that goes on forever and those eyes that can go from dancing with excitement and joy while telling a story to dark and foreboding while telling a different story. I want to watch his hands dance as he responds to a reporter's questions in an interview.
Tim being interviewed about RESTREPO
I want to watch over and over again as he greets a Soldier that he spent months with in Afghanistan - to see him gaze across the heads in a crowded room until he spots one of those Soldiers then navigate the crowd like threading a needle until he gets to his objective. I want to watch him grab that Soldier in a big bear hug, lay a resounding pat on his back and hear him say with the most genuine of emotion and love, "Good to see you man. How are you?" I want to stand back and watch while he and the Soldier go from a laughing and animated conversation to one of seriousness and dignity as they remember a fallen brother.
Tim and some of the Soldiers of RESTREPO
Just as many others are I am in denial and disbelief that Tim has been taken from us.Honored. Privileged. Grateful. Fortunate. None of those words or any others can describe how I feel about having the opportunity to meet and get to know Tim. No, we weren't "best" friends. But we were friends. And I knew that if I ever needed to pick up the phone or drop an email to Tim for help he would have done so without question.
My eyes are red and puffy and the tears continue to stream down my face. I just cannot make them stop. I keep having this vision of Tim in the hospital in Libya and me willing the doctors to MAKE HIM LIVE! I knew Tim had been in Libya but I thought he was on his way home. And he had been, sort of. But he decided to go back in and not come home just yet. I suspect it was because of the plight of those in Misrata that he went back. Ever the humanitarian Tim spent his adult life advocating for those in war zones and areas of conflict and genocide. I'll never question why Tim made the decision to go back in and not come home just yet. See, Tim Hetherington wasn't a thrill seeker. He wasn't egotistical. Tim Hetherington was a humanitarian to the core of his soul. I have to believe that Tim felt or knew there was something below the surface of the reports we have been getting from Libya. Something that he felt the world needed to know. I know he didn't go back in just for the hell of it.
A lot of people seem to have the impression that, because he was an Academy Award nominee, Tim lived the high life. Probably had a penthouse apartment in New York where he lived. Those who knew him know that cannot be farther from the truth. Tim lived an incredibly spartan live. Advocating for and helping others was what made him happy. Tim once said that the only furniture he had in his New York apartment was a chair and a bed. Tim and Sebastian Junger (co-Producer) went into debt filming and producing RESTREPO so that they could keep editorial control and make sure the men of the ROCK were not portrayed differently from exactly what they went through. Contrary to what some think Tim did not get wealthy off of RESTREPO or INFIDEL. I suppose, in the end, they became more of a labor of love.
Soldiers aren't an easy group to win over as far as trust and respect goes. Tim Hetherington more than gained the trust, respect and love of the Paratroopers with whom he embedded in OEF VIII. As I've read comment after comment on facebook today from the men of the 173rd, 2-503rd (and not just Battle Co, 2nd Platoon), I have been touched with the love they are sharing and the heartfelt loss they are feeling. Many are commenting that he is a "brother." Others are calling him one of "The ROCK". One comment hit the nail on the head, "Without a sign, his sword the brave man draws, and asks no omen, but his country's cause. Tim was the brave man without a sword and his cause was humanity."
The day he left for Libya Tim stopped by Sebastian's on the way to the airport. While he was there he signed a couple of copies of INFIDEL and RESTREPO for me. I've run my fingers across those signatures many times tonight. For some strange reason it makes me feel like he is still alive. Even though Tim is no longer on this earth he will always "live". He will live through his amazing works. He will live through his inspirational life. He will live through the love he gave to so many in so many ways.
Between sips of scotch tonight I have been turning page by page of Tim's book (that he autographed for me last year) "Long Story Bit By Bit: Liberia Retold." Many people don't know that "He was the only photographer to live behind rebel lines during the 2003 Liberian civil war -- work that culminated in the film 'Liberia: an Uncivil War' and the book 'Long Story Bit By Bit: Liberia Retold' (Umbrage 2009), and his work for Human Rights Watch to uncover civilian massacres on the Chad / Darfur border in 2006 appeared in the documentary 'The Devil Came on Horseback,'" his biography on the "Restrepo" website says. Most images in the book are profoundly haunting. The interviews explain this history of the troubled nation. Tim's love for mankind seeps out of every page.
Tim wouldn't want us to be sad or make a big deal out of his death. He would want us to forge on advocating for those suffering humanitarian injustices particularly in time of war and conflict. He would also want us to find a way to "be there" for those who have returned from war and are struggling each day to re-integrate back into society.
There are many links on the internet tonight about Tim. I like this one best.
Tim was a great man and a man of greatness although he would argue that. He'd lose the argument with me. I couldn't mean it more when I say that Tim Hetherington was one of the greatest men I ever had the privilege of knowing. I am grateful for the laughs we shared and for the moments of serious conversation. I'm grateful for his work on RESTREPO and INFIDEL. I'm grateful for the unconditional love he had for the men of the ROCK. And I'd be remiss if I didn't say (on behalf of every red blooded American woman) that I'm grateful for the skinny jeans that Tim wore. :)
My heart physically hurts tonight for Tim's family, for the love of his life and for the thousands around the globe whose stories he told through his incredibly works of photography and film.
So, while I began this by saying I wasn't going to "remember" Tim tonight I will. I'll remember him tonight and every night for the rest of my life. Tim and his work inspired me. I hope that each day I can do something to help others that would make Tim proud. I hope those of you reading this will pledge to do the same. What a wonderful way that would be to remember Tim and to honor his life. He was absolutely one in a million and I loved him for who he was. Say hi to Dad and all our Fallen Heroes Tim.
CHEERS!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
RESTREPO Garners A Nomination For An Academy Award
Knowing that RESTREPO had made the "short list" of 15 towards being nominated for an Academy Award gave me great hope that, for once, Hollywood would do the right thing. Yesterday we came one step closer to that reality when it was announced that RESTREPO is one of five nominees for Best Feature Documentary. The awards will be presented on 27 February 2011 and nothing will keep me away from the TV that night.
Yes I'll happily suffer through all of the Hollywood drama until the Best Feature Documentary is awarded. I can't remember the last time I watched the Academy Awards. Everyone who knows me knows that I'm not a movie afficianodo but this year is different. The men of RESTREPO and all of the men of the ROCK matter to me. I just want to hear, "And the Oscar goes to.........Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger for RESTREPO". And I hope to see as many of the Soldiers as possible in the crowd and, maybe even on stage, when (I will not say "IF") Tim and Sebastian accept the Oscar.
Many people have done much to get RESTREPO to this point. First and foremost the Solders about whom the documentary was based. Those Soldier represent many who have served in much the same situation over the years in one war or another. They allowed Tim and Sebastian into their private space and trusted them to do the right thing. Then there are Tim and Sebastian who dug into their pockets to fund the trips to Afghanistan, paid for the editing and to get the film into its final form. To me they did right by those Soldiers. Another thank you to National Geographic for picking up the film and promoting it via their channel as well as through promotion with Laura Kim and her staff at Inside Job - LA. Laura and Kanani spent countless hours working to get RESTREPO shown at theaters around the nation. They had emmense help from military families, friends of the men of RESTREPO and every day Americans who were eager to see the film.
A huge WELL DONE to everyone involved. I hope I am not leaving out people/organizations I should mention here and if I have I apologize for that.
Tune in folks. 27 February 2011.
For those of you in the LA area you might want to check out this link which indicates that beginning on 1 February you can purchase tickets for $5.00 each for an opportunity to meet the Directors of the nominated short and feature length documentaries. I have no idea if Tim and Sebastian will be attending but will update here if I find out.
The Academy spotlights the work of the nominated filmmakers in the Documentary Short Subject and Documentary Feature categories with the second annual “Docs!” night. The program will include film clips from each of the nominated documentaries in both categories, and a panel discussion with each group of nominees (schedules permitting).
When
Wednesday, February 23, 7:30 p.m.
Where
Samuel Goldwyn Theater
8949 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
All seating is unreserved
For more information, call (310) 247-3600
I wasn't aware of this fact:
"The Academy’s entire active membership is eligible to select Oscar winners in all categories, although in five – Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, and Foreign Language Film – members can vote only after attesting they have seen all of the nominated films in those categories."
Naturally I'm curious as to how the Academy determines that the members "attest" they have seen all of the documentaries.
Yes I'll happily suffer through all of the Hollywood drama until the Best Feature Documentary is awarded. I can't remember the last time I watched the Academy Awards. Everyone who knows me knows that I'm not a movie afficianodo but this year is different. The men of RESTREPO and all of the men of the ROCK matter to me. I just want to hear, "And the Oscar goes to.........Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger for RESTREPO". And I hope to see as many of the Soldiers as possible in the crowd and, maybe even on stage, when (I will not say "IF") Tim and Sebastian accept the Oscar.
Many people have done much to get RESTREPO to this point. First and foremost the Solders about whom the documentary was based. Those Soldier represent many who have served in much the same situation over the years in one war or another. They allowed Tim and Sebastian into their private space and trusted them to do the right thing. Then there are Tim and Sebastian who dug into their pockets to fund the trips to Afghanistan, paid for the editing and to get the film into its final form. To me they did right by those Soldiers. Another thank you to National Geographic for picking up the film and promoting it via their channel as well as through promotion with Laura Kim and her staff at Inside Job - LA. Laura and Kanani spent countless hours working to get RESTREPO shown at theaters around the nation. They had emmense help from military families, friends of the men of RESTREPO and every day Americans who were eager to see the film.
A huge WELL DONE to everyone involved. I hope I am not leaving out people/organizations I should mention here and if I have I apologize for that.
Tune in folks. 27 February 2011.
For those of you in the LA area you might want to check out this link which indicates that beginning on 1 February you can purchase tickets for $5.00 each for an opportunity to meet the Directors of the nominated short and feature length documentaries. I have no idea if Tim and Sebastian will be attending but will update here if I find out.
The Academy spotlights the work of the nominated filmmakers in the Documentary Short Subject and Documentary Feature categories with the second annual “Docs!” night. The program will include film clips from each of the nominated documentaries in both categories, and a panel discussion with each group of nominees (schedules permitting).
When
Wednesday, February 23, 7:30 p.m.
Where
Samuel Goldwyn Theater
8949 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
All seating is unreserved
For more information, call (310) 247-3600
I wasn't aware of this fact:
"The Academy’s entire active membership is eligible to select Oscar winners in all categories, although in five – Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, and Foreign Language Film – members can vote only after attesting they have seen all of the nominated films in those categories."
Naturally I'm curious as to how the Academy determines that the members "attest" they have seen all of the documentaries.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
RESTREPO Special Screenings & General Release Information and Dates
DO NOT MISS THIS MOVIE!
National Geographic Entertainment ACQUIRES AWARD-WINNING 'RESTREPO' FOR U.S. THEATRICAL DISTRIBUTION. (Excellent information at the link)
From May 2007 to July 2008, Hetherington and Junger dug in with a platoon of men from Battle Company, the Second Platoon of the 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, based at Restrepo. Named in honor of the platoon's medic, PFC Juan "Doc" Restrepo, who was killed in action, "Outpost Restrepo" had no running water, no Internet, no phone communication, often no electricity or heat, and it was attacked as many as five or six times a day.
Hetherington and Junger ate what the soldiers ate, slept where they slept, went on every patrol and by the end had been completely accepted into the platoon. Their cameras never left the Korengal Valley as they shot 150 hours of combat, frustration, routine, jokes, terror and bravery during daily life at the outpost until the men themselves were finally shipped out. The two journalists went on to conduct in-depth interviews with the platoon members back at their home base in Italy.
Second Platoon's 15-month tour of duty also serves as the basis for a new book by Junger called "War," which will be published in May 2010 by Twelve, a division of the Hachette Book Group
WINNER of Grand Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival
WINNER of the Golden Rock for Best Documentary Feature Film at the 2010 Little Rock Film Festival
From the 2010 Sundance Film Festival - Accepting the Grand Jury Prize: Documentary for Restrepo, veteran journalists and first-time filmmakers Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington honored both their immediate subjects – the soldiers they filmed in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley – and others who’ve fought overseas. "I’d like to dedicate the prize to the Restrepo generation," Hetherington said, "and to the hundreds of thousands of men and women who come back after serving this country and are invisible."
REVIEWS - Click on individual links for entire review
The New York Times - “Restrepo” avoids the conventions of documentary film: there is no back story, no drive-bys with experts for context, no underlying ideology or obvious message. The viewer is dropped into war, with a hard jolt, and resides, along with 15 soldiers from Second Platoon of Battle Company of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, in a remote and raw outpost called Restrepo, so named after one member of the platoon who is killed early in their rotation
Documentary.org - The end result of Junger and Hetherington's approach is a film about all wars--a film that transcends Outpost Restrepo as it puts you in the boots of these soldiers who spent every day, for 15 months, trying not to do anything to get one of their brothers killed as they counted the days remaining before they could go home.
Courtney Keating (16 years old) - Restrepo beautifully shows the unbreakable bond that these men form. They behave like a family, love each other like a family. And the bitter reality when a family member dies is not overlooked - remorse and pain is not avoided; emotions are not hidden. This is real, and this is what our soldiers go through. In addition to fighting and mourning with each other, the guys, well....had their moments. They made immature, inappropriate, and ridiculous jokes. They did unbelievably silly things, and it's hilarious. In what's considered the deadliest valley in Afghanistan, the spirit they had is uplifting. The film captures it all. From grief to joy, it captures it all.
Red Bull Rising - About 90 minutes later, even the combat veterans among us called the film "eye-opening."
Said one staff sergeant: "I wish I'd had something like that to show my soldiers before we left for Iraq." An Afghan-theater veteran observed how well the documentary depicted the mountainous terrain as an ever-present enemy. Another commented: "It's a good reminder that this uniform gets dirty ... and sometimes bloody."
The Kitchen Dispatch - From Surgeon's Wife to Army Surgeon's Wife - The movie ended, but I couldn't move. Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington had just taken the mantle from Ken Burns as documentary makers extraordinaire with Restrepo. This war documentary is a gripping chronicle of the lives of a platoon through some of the heaviest fighting in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan.
This is what Restrepo does so very well. Hetherington and Junger aren't afraid of the human condition through tough and dangerous times, through this the viewer witnesses the weaving of bonds between men who are very different from one another. This bond, strengthened by a commitment to survival is everlasting and sacred. It's something outsiders have a difficult time understanding, but Restrepo conveys it with love and honor.
Film Journal International - Shot in and around an Army outpost in the Korengal Valley, Restrepo offers an unprecedented look at soldiers on the front lines in Afghanistan. The battle footage is raw and terrifying in ways rarely seen in documentaries before. By avoiding overt political statements, the filmmakers aim for a broad theatrical audience rather than one that has already chosen sides. Restrepo, which will eventually be broadcast on cable, isn't for or against the war in Afghanistan. But it does make clear that waging this war is difficult, if not futile.
Stewart Nusbaumer for the Huffington Post - This documentary has everything -- fire fights, silence, drag-butt humping up and down mountains, intense camaraderie, crushing boredom, near paralyzing fear, horsing around in the all male environment, anguish, and of course death. All delivered to you right in your face.
If you are against the war in Afghanistan, this film will not make you for the war. If you are for the war, this movie will not turn you against the war. But what it will do is bring you closer to the reality of war in Afghanistan , and closer to those fighting that war.
OP Restrepo - Photo by Tim Hetherington
Information about "Sneak Peaks", general release dates and locations and "how to get Restrepo to your town" below the jump. (Click on Read More)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
RESTREPO Screening at the Little Rock Film Festival with SGT Misha Pemble-Belkin & COL Bill Ostlund
...AND THE WINNER OF GOLDEN ROCK (Yes ROCK Paratroopers, that's actually the name of the award) FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY AT THE LITTLE ROCK FILM FESTIVAL IS....
When I got an email from my friend Kanani telling me that Restrepo was going to be screened at the Little Rock Film Festival I knew it was my best opportunity to see the film. So I made plans to drive to Little Rock for the screening. Kanani had access to a small block of complimentary tickets thanks to Laura and National Geographic's film/documentary division and was kind enough to give me one. Also attending the screening were COL Bill Ostlund, his wife, mom, brother, sister in law and a handful of family friends.
Prior to the screening it was announced that "a Soldier" was present in the audience and would be available for Q and A immediately following the presentation. SGT Misha Pemble-Belkin and his wife, Amanda, had traveled to Little Rock for the Friday afternoon screening and SGT Pemble-Belkin had participated in the Q and A after that showing. He and Amanda were invited to stay the weekend by the festival organizers who treated them like royalty. I appreciate the organizers for doing that. It means SO much! But the "Soldier" they were referring to for the Sunday Q and A was COL Bill Ostlund who was the Battalion Commander of the 173rd, 2-503 which included Battle Co, 2nd Platoon featured in Restrepo.
We were all invited to attend the Gala hosted on Sunday night (the last night of the Film Festival). I didn't feel at all properly dressed for the occassion but wouldn't have missed it for ANYTHING. It was held at the Clinton Presidential Library on the bank of the Arkansas River in Little Rock. The room was incredibly well decorated and the hors d'oeuvres were scrumptious! We had a bit of a laugh at one point because during the film there was an interview with Misha (SGT Pemble-Belkin) and he commented that he wasn't allowed to eat sugar until he was a teenager. When asked "why?" he replied, "because my mom is a hippie." It was hilarious. So there we were enjoying the food, drinking wine and beer and Heather noticed Misha had a nice array of mini cheesecakes on his plate. We figured he was just making up for lost time. It certainly provided a another laugh.
Members of the Film Festival staff, local and state dignitaries made a few speeches. I'm absolutely AMAZED this is only the fourth year of this festival. It ran seamlessly, professionally and as if it had a much longer history than four years. KUDOS to the founders, volunteers, participants and attendees.
The process of handing out awards began. I had never attended a film festival so it didn't cross my mind that Restrepo might win an award. They began handing out scholarships to high school students who had films in the festival. They handed out an award for a film in the category made in Arkansas (again, sorry for not taking notes). When they began announcing the nominees for Best Documentary "Restrepo" was the first nominee. NOW they had my attention. When "Restrepo" was announced as the winner and Misha and COL Ostlund were asked to come forward to accept the Golden Rock award everyone at our table jumped up yelling, screaming, clapping and carrying on like crazy. WOW! WOW! WOW!
COL Ostlund motioned for Misha to go ahead of him. As they got to the front of the room the festival staff handed the award to Misha. He was smiling from ear to ear! It was a great moment. I'm so glad he and Amanda were there.
COL Ostlund stepped back to let Misha accept the award. I was so busy trying to take a decent picture (among all of the professional photographers) that I have no idea what he said. Sorry.
One of the Little Rock Film Festival's Founders, Craig Renaud and COL Bill Ostlund (OEF VIII Commander of 173rd, 2-503 "The ROCK") look on as SGT Misha Pemble-Belkin, who was featured in the film, accepts the Golden Rock award for Best Documentary
When I got an email from my friend Kanani telling me that Restrepo was going to be screened at the Little Rock Film Festival I knew it was my best opportunity to see the film. So I made plans to drive to Little Rock for the screening. Kanani had access to a small block of complimentary tickets thanks to Laura and National Geographic's film/documentary division and was kind enough to give me one. Also attending the screening were COL Bill Ostlund, his wife, mom, brother, sister in law and a handful of family friends.
Prior to the screening it was announced that "a Soldier" was present in the audience and would be available for Q and A immediately following the presentation. SGT Misha Pemble-Belkin and his wife, Amanda, had traveled to Little Rock for the Friday afternoon screening and SGT Pemble-Belkin had participated in the Q and A after that showing. He and Amanda were invited to stay the weekend by the festival organizers who treated them like royalty. I appreciate the organizers for doing that. It means SO much! But the "Soldier" they were referring to for the Sunday Q and A was COL Bill Ostlund who was the Battalion Commander of the 173rd, 2-503 which included Battle Co, 2nd Platoon featured in Restrepo.
Ostlund family and friends awaiting the screen of Restrepo
COL Ostlund doing the Q and A following the screening on Sunday.
We were all invited to attend the Gala hosted on Sunday night (the last night of the Film Festival). I didn't feel at all properly dressed for the occassion but wouldn't have missed it for ANYTHING. It was held at the Clinton Presidential Library on the bank of the Arkansas River in Little Rock. The room was incredibly well decorated and the hors d'oeuvres were scrumptious! We had a bit of a laugh at one point because during the film there was an interview with Misha (SGT Pemble-Belkin) and he commented that he wasn't allowed to eat sugar until he was a teenager. When asked "why?" he replied, "because my mom is a hippie." It was hilarious. So there we were enjoying the food, drinking wine and beer and Heather noticed Misha had a nice array of mini cheesecakes on his plate. We figured he was just making up for lost time. It certainly provided a another laugh.
At the Gala after the screening
Misha and Amanda at the Gala. They are a lovely couple in every possible way. It was more than a pleasure to meet them and share this day/night with them. I'm not sure a better representative of 2nd Platoon, Battle Company, 2-503, the 173rd or the Army could have been selected. He was poised, professional, engaging and humble.
Members of the Film Festival staff, local and state dignitaries made a few speeches. I'm absolutely AMAZED this is only the fourth year of this festival. It ran seamlessly, professionally and as if it had a much longer history than four years. KUDOS to the founders, volunteers, participants and attendees.
The process of handing out awards began. I had never attended a film festival so it didn't cross my mind that Restrepo might win an award. They began handing out scholarships to high school students who had films in the festival. They handed out an award for a film in the category made in Arkansas (again, sorry for not taking notes). When they began announcing the nominees for Best Documentary "Restrepo" was the first nominee. NOW they had my attention. When "Restrepo" was announced as the winner and Misha and COL Ostlund were asked to come forward to accept the Golden Rock award everyone at our table jumped up yelling, screaming, clapping and carrying on like crazy. WOW! WOW! WOW!
COL Ostlund motioned for Misha to go ahead of him. As they got to the front of the room the festival staff handed the award to Misha. He was smiling from ear to ear! It was a great moment. I'm so glad he and Amanda were there.
SGT Pemble-Belkin with the Golden Rock award for Best Documentary and COL Ostlund receiving congratulations from one of the festival founders
COL Ostlund stepped back to let Misha accept the award. I was so busy trying to take a decent picture (among all of the professional photographers) that I have no idea what he said. Sorry.
SGT Pemble-Belkin accepting the award on behalf of 2nd Platoon, Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington
Then the staff asked COL Ostlund to say a few remarks. Again I have no idea what he said. I was too excited and too focused on trying to take a decent photo of the moment with my dime store camera.
UPDATE: I just received information about what COL Ostlund said during his remarks:
"No one can say it better than a Soldier, an American Paratrooper. As I look out across this eclectic group I'm reminded how many seek to identify a rift between the military and Hollywood-types. But in fact it is men like Misha that readily ensure the freedoms that allow for expression and the ability to tell our collective stories. I can assure you we, in the military, respect those who accept and share risk to tell our story. Thanks for all you do - God Bless America."
COL Ostlund making remarks
Standing ovation as SGT Pemble-Belkin and COL Ostlund return to their seats with the award
As Misha and COL Ostlund returned to our table with the award they received a standing ovation. A LOUD and LONG one. People were shaking their hands, thanking them for their service and congratulating them as they worked their way through the crowd. I cannot tell you how happy I was to be there. I kept thinking about so many others I wish who could have been there too. Many who are deployed back to Afghanistan. Others who we continue to remember and honor - who gave their lives in service to our nation. So bittersweet.
I hope Sebastian and Tim know where to find Misha because we are convinced he is NOT going to share this with them. Couldn't pry it out of his hands! Rightly so.
See? He's still holding it. (I love this shot! Wonder who/what he's thinking. I have a little bit of an idea.)
SGT Pemble-Belkin and COL Ostlund
Film festival founders, SGT Pemble-Beklin and COL Ostlund (sorry about the lighting)
I was fortunate to meet Carol Dysinger the director of Camp Victory Afghanistan. When I first saw the name of her film I was confused because I thought Camp Victory was in Iraq. Turns out there is a Camp Victory in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The one in Afghansitan is an Afghan Army Camp. Unfortunately her film was screened on Friday and Saturday so I didn't get the opportunity to view it and I regret that.
Finally please go check out the work the Renaud brothers have done with respect to military related films. They are two of the four founders of the Little Rock Film Festival.
A MILLION thank yous to Sebastian and Tim for the film, to the Little Rock Film Festival for screening it and being so hospitable, to Kanani for the ticket and to all of the ROCK Paratroopers and their families.
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