A nationally recognized documentary and guided seminar focused on the realities of military life after service will be brought to Fayetteville, offering local veterans, service members and their families a free opportunity for reflection, connection and conversation.
The award-winning film Brothers After War will be screened Saturday, Jan. 31, at AMC Market Fair 15 on Skibo Road. The four-hour event, running from noon to 4 p.m., is presented through a partnership between the Gary Sinise Foundation, UNC Thrive, and Veterans Bridge Home. Attendance is free, though seating is limited and advance registration is required.
Organizers say the Fayetteville screening is more than a movie showing. It is part of a national program that pairs the documentary with a structured seminar designed to help service members and veterans navigate the often difficult transition from military to civilian life. Since 2011, the Brothers After War program has reached more than 60,000 veterans and service members across the country.
“This is about creating space,” said Al Lampkins, market president for the Sandhills region with Veterans Bridge Home. “A space where veterans and families can pause, reflect and talk honestly about what life looks like after service, without pressure or expectation.”
The documentary, created by filmmaker Jake Rademacher, chronicles his experience embedding with his brothers’ Army unit during deployments to Iraq. The film explores the deep bonds formed in combat and the complicated emotional landscape that follows soldiers home, including questions of identity, purpose and belonging.
Lampkins said Fayetteville was a natural location for the event, given its longstanding military presence and the number of families who live with the ripple effects of service. Home to Fort Bragg and one of the largest military populations in the nation, the region continues to see veterans from multiple generations navigating reintegration.
“Fayetteville understands military life in a way few places do,” Lampkins said. “But even in a military community, many veterans feel isolated once they leave the structure of service. This program helps bridge that gap.”
The event begins at noon with the film screening, during which attendees will be provided lunch and an opportunity to sit alongside fellow service members and families. Following the screening, participants will take part in a guided seminar led by certified facilitators and the filmmaker. The discussion includes journaling and workbook exercises designed to encourage personal reflection and group conversation.
According to Lampkins, the seminar portion is what transforms the event from passive viewing into an active experience.
“The film opens emotions and memories,” he said. “The guided discussion helps people make sense of what comes up and connect it to their own stories in a healthy way.”
The program is intentionally inclusive of family members, recognizing that reintegration affects spouses, children and loved ones as much as it does those who served. Lampkins said the shared experience often opens lines of communication that families struggle to find on their own.
“Families are part of the journey,” he said. “This gives them common language and understanding. It’s not about fixing anyone. It’s about listening and being present.”
The Fayetteville event is fully funded through the partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation, which has long supported service members and first responders, and UNC Thrive, a program focused on trauma-informed research and care for military-connected communities. Veterans Bridge Home is serving as the local host, coordinating outreach and registration.
For Veterans Bridge Home, the event aligns closely with its mission of connecting veterans to long-term support. While the organization is known for assisting with employment, education and healthcare, Lampkins said emotional and mental well-being are just as critical.
“You can have a job and a roof over your head and still feel disconnected,” he said. “This program addresses the internal side of reintegration, which is often harder to talk about.”
Attendance is limited to 111 participants, and organizers are encouraging early registration through Eventbrite. While the event is free, Lampkins emphasized that the limited seating is intentional to maintain an intimate and supportive environment.
“We want people to feel safe sharing,” he said. “That’s harder to do in a room that’s too large.”
Lampkins said past participants in other cities often leave feeling affirmed rather than overwhelmed. While the film addresses difficult experiences, the tone of the seminar is grounded in hope and resilience.
“This isn’t about reliving trauma,” he said. “It’s about honoring experiences, learning from them and understanding that moving forward is possible.”
He added that the event also serves as a reminder that veterans are not alone in their struggles. “One of the most powerful moments is when someone realizes others in the room feel the same way,” Lampkins said. “That sense of shared understanding can be incredibly healing.”
The event will conclude at 4 p.m., but Lampkins said the conversations often continue long after participants leave the theater. Organizers hope the experience will encourage attendees to stay connected with local resources and with one another.
For more information or to register, participants can visit https://bit.ly/49JUvzq. Questions can be directed to Al Lampkins at alampkins@veteransbridgehome.org.
As Fayetteville continues to support those who have served, Brothers After War offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect, connect and take the next step forward together.