American Homefront Project

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The American Homefront Project is reporting on military life and veterans issues. We're visiting bases to chronicle how American troops are working and living. We're meeting military families. We're talking with veterans -- in their homes, on their jobs, at school, at VA hospitals -- to learn about the challenges they face.

Support for the American Homefront Project comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, as part of CPB's ongoing effort to expand coverage of local, regional, and national issues. Additional support comes from our partner public radio stations -- North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC, Texas Public Radio, KPBS-San Diego, St. Louis Public Radio, and WSHU-Fairfield, Conn.

Series

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2022 American Veteran 
4 Pieces

In commemoration of Veteran’s Day, the American Homefront Project collaborated with the PBS documentary series "American Veteran" to profile men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

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American Veteran 2021 
5 Pieces

In commemoration of Veteran’s Day 2021, the American Homefront Project collaborated with the PBS documentary series "American Veteran" to profile men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

Pieces

The Pentagon says wildfires, driven by climate change, are a growing national security threat
From: American Homefront Project
Caption: A fire fighter monitors a controlled burn Sept. 18, 2019 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The burn was intended to reduce the risk of wildfires., Credit: Aubree Milks / U.S. Air Force
A 2019 Department of Defense report concluded that the effects of a changing climate, including wildfires, threaten dozens of military bases.

Bought by KPBS, WUSF, Texas Public Radio, and Colorado Public Radio


  • Added: Jan 06, 2020
  • Length: 03:31
  • Purchases: 4
To help keep older veterans in their homes, the VA is pairing them with volunteer companions
From: American Homefront Project
Caption: World War II veteran Gerry Bennett, 92, plays cards with Gloria Estrello, a volunteer with the Choose Home Senior Corps program., Credit: Carson Frame/American Homefront
The VA pilot program places federally-backed volunteers in the homes of veterans to help with cooking, cleaning and other low-skill tasks.

Bought by KPBS, KPCC, Texas Public Radio, and Colorado Public Radio


  • Added: Dec 30, 2019
  • Length: 03:24
  • Purchases: 4
A new law allows troops to seek compensation for malpractice by military doctors
From: American Homefront Project
Caption: Congresswoman Jackie Speier, left, meets with Army Sergeant Richard Stayskal, center, his wife, Megan, and his attorney, Natalie Khawam, in Speier’s Washington office before an April 2019 subcommittee hearing on the Feres Doctrine., Credit: U.S. House of Representatives
Congress has established an administrative process for service members to pursue malpractice claims. But they still can't sue in civilian court.

Bought by WUSF, Texas Public Radio, and Colorado Public Radio


  • Added: Dec 26, 2019
  • Length: 03:49
  • Purchases: 3
The VA's new smoking ban is sparking complaints from some veterans and employees
From: American Homefront Project
Caption: Air Force veteran Ronald West, 70, said he leaves his hospital room several times a day to smoke outside the Tampa VA property., Credit: Stephanie Colombini/American Homefront
The VA has eliminated the designated smoking areas at its hospitals, clinics, and other buildings. It's a difficult transition for some patients, v...

Bought by KPBS and Colorado Public Radio


  • Added: Dec 23, 2019
  • Length: 03:33
  • Purchases: 2
A holiday harmonica concert is part of the therapy for veterans with lung disease
From: American Homefront Project
Caption: Veteran David Wheaton said he's noticed his COPD has improved since he began playing the harmonica. He said he used to be able to exercise for only a few minutes, but now can work out longer., Credit: Stephanie Colombini/American Homefront
Some Florida veterans are putting on a holiday performance at their local VA, but not just to spread cheer. It’s part of a program that uses harmon...

Bought by KPCC, KPBS, Colorado Public Radio, KBCS 91.3 FM Community Radio, and Texas Public Radio


  • Added: Dec 18, 2019
  • Length: 03:44
  • Purchases: 5
More than shows: Today's USO is working to bridge the divide between service members and civilians
From: American Homefront Project
Caption: Comedian Paula Poundstone performs at a USO show in Washington, D.C. , Credit: Katie Lange / U.S. Department of Defense
For an organization that's still strongly associated with entertainers of the past, like Bob Hope, it's a constant challenge to stay relevant to to...

Bought by KPBS, North Country Public Radio, WUSF, Texas Public Radio, and Colorado Public Radio


  • Added: Dec 12, 2019
  • Length: 03:54
  • Purchases: 5
The VA is teaching intimacy skills to veterans to try to save their marriages
From: American Homefront Project
Caption: John and Barbara Browning attended a Warrior to Soul Mate session to improve their marriage in light of the John’s PTSD symptoms and other health challenges. 'He never told me what he went through in Vietnam until he went to pieces,' Barbara said., Credit: Carson Frame/American Homefront
The Department of Veterans Affairs is offering couples retreats to help former service members communicate with their spouses.

Bought by WAMC Northeast Public Radio, WUSF, WOUB, KPCC, and Colorado Public Radio


  • Added: Dec 09, 2019
  • Length: 03:44
  • Purchases: 5
A new study has found that grief is common but rarely recognized in veterans
From: American Homefront Project
Caption: Army veteran Jesus Medina says exercising with his punching bag helps him release energy. Medina says he's still dealing with grief from his time in the military., Credit: Emily Elena Dugdale / American Homefront
The University of California, Irvine study found that combat exposure is almost as likely to cause grief as it is to lead to PTSD.

Bought by WUSF, Texas Public Radio, North Country Public Radio, KPBS, and Colorado Public Radio


  • Added: Dec 03, 2019
  • Length: 03:50
  • Purchases: 5
Army recruitment today is less 'Be All You Can Be' and more 'Call Of Duty'
From: American Homefront Project
Caption: Andrew Garcia, 22, plays 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare' at the Localhost Denver Arena during an October Army recruiting event., Credit: Taylor Allen / Colorado Public Radio
The Army has embraced esports as a recruiting tool to reach young adults, who are drawn to the fast-paced action of military-themed games.

Bought by WUSF, KPCC, KPBS, WOUB, Texas Public Radio and more


  • Added: Nov 25, 2019
  • Length: 03:25
  • Purchases: 7
After a report found the military often mishandles domestic violence, reforms are happening slowly
From: American Homefront Project
Caption: Runners participate in an Oct. 17 domestic violence awareness event at Ft. Hood, Tex., Credit: Kelvin Ringold / U.S. Army
The Defense Department Inspector General found that the military handles domestic violence on base inconsistently, leading to fewer prosecutions an...

Bought by KPBS, WUSF, WRST-FM Oshkosh, Colorado Public Radio, and WOUB


  • Added: Nov 11, 2019
  • Length: 03:54
  • Purchases: 5

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People who work with American Homefront Project

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Dave DeWitt
Reporter/Producer, WUNC
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Adam Hochberg (Admin)
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Brent Wolfe
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KPBS News
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KPCC BoardOperators
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Shula Neuman
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Shahla Farzan
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Jonathan Ahl