Dr. Pollie Bith-Melander's documentary "Slow Burns" profoundly explores the lives of five military veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The documentary delves into their experiences during combat tours and the significant challenges they faced upon returning home, mainly focusing on their diagnoses of cancer and chronic illnesses.
Through their personal stories, "Slow Burns" sheds light on the complex intersection of military service, health issues, and the aftermath of war. As an anthropologist, Dr. Bith-Melander likely offers a nuanced perspective that blends personal narratives with broader social and cultural contexts, aiming to provoke viewer reflection and awareness.
- Army Sgt. Brandi Benson (Ewing Sarcoma)
- Army Ssg. Joshua Durbin (Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma)
- Marine Special Operator, SSgt. Max Kutch (Lymphoma and Thyroid Cancer)
- Marine Sgt. Aaron Riekenberg (COPD)
- Marine Cpl. Joe Nerney (Lymphoma)