Harlem Veteran Project

Max Elliott is a Vietnam War Veteran, former helicopter crew chief, and door gunner. He shares his story of his time during the war and his struggles during his deployment, as well as once he gets home.

The Vietnam War, like any war, is a collection of many stories that come together to form a single narrative for those who experienced it. These thoughts, emotions, and struggles all come together to create the picture that we have of the war today. “Making of a Soldier” follows Vietnam veterans’ experiences. Each story is unique and is a piece of a bigger picture. Together, it provides us a look at how everyone in the country was affected by the war, how they came home and readjusted to civilian life, and how the war continues to reach them to this day. .

Ordinary Life, Extraordinary Journey features the story of Kim Hurd, a woman in 11 years of long term recovery for drug alcohol addiction. The documentary strives to demonstrate the impact addiction can have on an individual while also helping to reduce the stigma and shame that prevents individuals from seeking recovery.

This is the a story of an esports professional who grinded his way to the top of the ladder, beating names like "Faker", "Doublelift", "Tarzaned", "Bjergensen, "IWillDominate", and "XSpecial.” In this documentary, you will understand what it takes to be a professional esports player. You will understand the effort it takes to even make it to the top 1% of the greatest gamers.

Take Your Own Notes features the stories of five women veterans who live in the greater Rockford, IL area. The documentary demonstrates how the five women make an impact in their families and local communities and connect with each other through their shared experiences in the United States military. Take Your Own Notes provides an outlet for women who experience challenges featured in the documentary, cultivating an open dialogue for those who wish to tell their stories.

Zelpha Montgomery of Homes County, Mississippi tells viewers about what the Holmes County Civil Rights Movements was like, the challenges they faced, while also sharing her parent’s involvement in the movement.

Running to Remember is a documentary about Cathy Powers, a gold star mother who started running to remember the veterans who served our country. She runs to honor her son, Senior Airman (SrA) Bryce Powers. Along her running journey, Cathy meets veterans from around the country, letting them know they are loved and remembered for their service. With the help of Wreaths Across America, Cathy has run over a thousand miles within all 50 states, as well as raising 11,215 wreath sponsorships for Arlington National Cemetery.

Mr. Clarence focuses on a hospice veteran pinning ceremony for WWII Veteran William Clarence. The documentary highlights the importance of closure for a veteran and their family members.

In 2018, Carole left a voicemail to the Harlem Veteran Project. In the voicemail, Carole stated that she wanted to document the remarkable life story of a senior citizen named Ingrid. Ingrid was born in Schnaittach, Germany, and she grew up during WWII. Ingrid’s story reveals the hardships she endured in WWII Germany and the challenges she faced while pursuing peace for herself and her children. Through Carole’s passion to document Ingrid’s story, Carole’s own struggles are revealed and a unique friendship unfolds between the two women.

This documentary highlights Damon Barley's experience during Vietnam War.

This is the story of how three Serbians found the courage to share their experience immigrating to Rockford, Illinois during the Yugoslavian War. They have chosen to share their stories not to just speak for themselves, but also to speak for the unspoken.

Most Honorable Son is a documentary celebrating the career and life of a Vietnam Marine Corp Veteran, Michael Hyland. He served from 1968-1969 as a chopper gunner and got shot down behind enemy lines three times. It honors and represents his time in Vietnam and how Michael survived in the war. He was motivated to enlist with his friends after High School because of current politics. Michael's story demonstrates any other Vietnam Veteran story, but dives deeper into the actions of the Vietnamese and their effect on the Marine’s mindset.

The Melodi of Memories is a story about a Native American Veteran. Melodi Serna talks about the culture shock she experienced growing up as a Native American living with her grandparents. She was bullied throughout her life, which caused her to start misbehaving. Due to this, she constantly moved schools. She finished high school early and joined the military. It helped her overcome bullying and turned her life around. She eventually became an Executive Director at the American Indian Center of Chicago. She fought for more Native representation at schools, and expressed her strong opinions about Native American mascots.

This Documentary is about Adam Palmer, a Purple Heart Veteran who found purpose through God. He went his whole life searching for something greater. From football to the the military, he didn't satisfy his drive for purpose. After being severely injured in Iraq, he had an intervention with God which finally brought him peace.

A documentary about love, forgiveness, and moving forward after hardships. Tommy Meeks explains his story of growing up and discovering his passions. Mr. Meeks later becomes a TV show host for the show "It's Time To Make A Change.” Recognizing societal issues, he advocates for the Juneteenth celebration, and mentors young African American juveniles looking for a second chance.

"Pocket Full of Talents" is a personal look into the life of Rhonda Robinson. Her story captures the tie between being a community leader and an elementary teacher; aiming to be a voice for youth and spread awareness of the faults within the Rockford community.

The Faces that Never Fade shows how war lives on in every veteran that comes home. The Faces that Never Fade focuses on showing the humanity of the Vietnam War through the experiences of John Tutle by diving into the erosion of hope from the constant repetition of day to day tasks mixed with the insanity of war along with the enduring memories of the sights and sounds of losing friends. John’s journey will show how war lives on in every veteran that comes home and the ones who didn’t come back are always carried with them. From learning to live with PTSD to moving on and helping other veterans John’s story is just one experience of millions that have served in a combat zone for this country.

Since 2012, The Harlem Veteran Project has dedicated their time to recording and preserving the stories of American Veterans. Through this process the students have learned the long term impact of war on individuals and the community. In 2016, the Harlem Veteran Project students took an extended look into the impact war had on veterans, Jim Thew and Alex Feggestad. During this journey the students learned the reality of war and Jim and Alex experienced the power of healing through oral history.