Upon returning home after participating in combat, a soldier’s physical injuries may often mask disturbing problems that lie beneath the surface. They have been taught how to survive on the battlefield, but often find it extremely challenging to live with themselves afterwards.

Volunteer political committee Swing the Vote continues its video series “Building real national security – the alternatives to war” with another challenging film in the hope of spurring community discourse on important matters related to the war in Iraq. The event is free and open to the general public.

“The Soldier’s Heart” explores the psychological cost of war and investigates whether the military is doing enough to help the many combat veterans coming come with emotional problems. With unprecedented access to active duty members at Camp Pendleton, a Marine base in San Diego, and through interviews with mental health experts, this Frontline production uncovers one of the underreported stories from the war in Iraq.

Participants and Swing the Vote members will delve further in a post-film discussion that considers many aspects of real national security including healthcare, education, jobs, the environment, and international cooperation. Swing the Vote’s petition to end the Iraq occupation and fund real national security is available at www.swingthevote.us.