UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A film screening and Q&A session that recognizes the service and sacrifices of female veterans and their experiences when returning to civilian life will be held beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, at The State Theatre in State College.
“Journey to Normal: Women of War Come Home” documents the journeys of eight women who have served in Afghanistan through their first two years of reintegration. The film screening is part of Penn State’s annual Military Appreciation Week, which culminates with the annual Military Appreciation Football Game at Beaver Stadium on Nov. 16.
The film begins during deployment and follows the women and their families through all of the joys and challenges of reintegration — marriage, divorce, childbirth, custody struggles, job searches and the under-recognized challenge of settling back into their daily lives.
Tickets cost $7 and can be purchased at The State Theatre website. Advance ticket purchase is recommended.
The event is comprised of:
- The singing of the national anthem and “Amazing Grace”
- Introductions of the “Journey to Normal” film crew
- The presentation of the “Journey to Normal” film
- A Q&A session with the film crew
The film crew includes director/producer/executive producer JulieHera DeStefano, producer/executive director Andrew Swensen and retired Col. Thomas J. Stokes, who served as the principal military adviser. Local veteran and retired Air Force Col. Kristin Brawley will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies.
The event is sponsored by the Scott Sipple Foundation, the Penn State Alumni Association and Cali, Wagner and Millward Re/Max Centre Realty.”
More than 5,600 Penn State students use the GI Bill as either an active-duty service member, a reservist, veteran or military dependent, across all of the University’s campuses, including Penn State World Campus. Penn State has consistently been recognized as a military-friendly school for the many academic programs and support resources available to service members.
To help support events organized by the Penn State Military Appreciation Committee, visit http://c-fund.us/mz2. Visit the Penn State Military Appreciation website for more information on all of the University’s Military Appreciation events.