Where Soldiers Come From 2011

As their high school days come to a close, Dominic and Cole find themselves at a pivotal crossroads, driven by a potent combination of financial need and a profound search for purpose. They make the courageous decision to enlist in the Army National Guard. Initially, their bond and sense of duty resonate with a wider group of friends, culminating in their deployment to Afghanistan with the 107th Engineer Battalion, 168th Engineer Brigade. Tasked with safeguarding roads by carefully conducting searches for roadside bombs, these young men quickly delve into a harsh reality that fundamentally disrupts their innocence.

The relentless nature of the conflict reveals its harsh toll; with each bomb blast, their physical and mental health deteriorate, leading to symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and an overwhelming sense of disillusionment regarding their mission.

As the end of their deployment approaches, the gravity of their experiences becomes painfully clear—the scars of war extend far beyond the battlefield. Upon returning home, both Dominic and Cole confront the daunting task of reintegrating into civilian life, fighting the debilitating effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and TBI. Once carefree and hopeful friends, they now grapple with reconciling the haunting memories of their time in Afghanistan with the complexities of life back home.

Their families are not untouched; they, too, face the challenges imposed by their loved ones’ experiences, striving for a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of their return. The latter portion of this powerful documentary intricately explores the heartfelt struggles these soldiers-turned-civilians endure, tracing their paths as they traverse the difficult journey of reintegration, seeking comfort in a world irrevocably altered by the echoes of warfare.