SAN ANTONIO — The new documentary that’s available on Amazon Prime, sheds light on the personal wars that veterans and emergency first responders face. The stories highlight veterans who found healing and encourages others to seek help.
'Warriors Heart - Warriors Healing Warriors,’ is a new 60 minute documentary film by Panteo Productions. Viewers will witness the stories of three veterans, who also work for ‘Warriors Heart,’ which is located on a 543-acre ranch in Bandera. It is the first and only private center in the U.S. that provides residential treatment for veterans, first responders and law enforcement.
The facility launched in Bandera to address the high suicide rate among veterans and first responders. KENS 5 was there to cover the grand opening of ‘Warriors Heart’ in 2016. Since opening its doors, the facility has helped 1,850 people.
The center says it takes a “training program” approach to help clients overcome addiction, traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma. They provide therapy and evidence-based treatment. Fishing, hiking, a metal shop, wood shop, gym, K9 Service Dogs program, pool, and more electives are offered at the ranch.
The film features U.S. Army Delta Operator and Warriors Heart Co-Founder, Tom Spooner who served 21 years in the military. He has been in recovery since 1992. Spooner tells KENS 5 that he has struggled with alcoholism, suicidal thoughts, PTS and mild TBI.
“I wanted to get better for my family, I wanted to get better for everything that I had going on in my life,” said Spooner. “I just made it a mission of mine. I’m going to try to get better myself and number two, help others get better.”
The film touches on a dark day in American history, the September 11 attack, and as the film describes, “a global war on terror.” The Warriors Heart Foundation honorary board of advisors member and actor, Max Martini, provides narration for the film.
“Two decades and three presidents later, the war continues. For many, they gave their lives to protect the American people. For others, there was another price for that reckoning. This is their story,” said Martini.
“This is what happened with the folks that didn’t die, dealing with all of the stuff. These are the folks that are still here in your communities. These are the folks that we still need to provide that support,” said Spooner. “They really take care of us to the best of their ability and that profession has a price tag on it.”
The film was released on Amazon Prime to celebrate ‘Warriors Heart’ 5 year anniversary and to mark May’s Mental Health Awareness Month. You can check out a preview of the trailer or watch the film on Amazon.