America asks its warriors to do incredible and difficult things, often under extremely difficult conditions.  When members of the military come home, though, many must deal with war's invisible mental scars. The day after Veterans' Day, CISS will host a screening of Homemade, a film about post-traumatic stress and military mental health, followed by a discussion of the issue and public policy.

In honor of Veterans' Day, CISS will be having a very special screening of the film Homemade: 

HOMEMADE is the cinematic and profoundly intimate six-year journey with decorated Force Reconnaissance Marine Adam Sorensen as he navigates civilian life and the effects of Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, and addiction on his marriage, family and work.

Durational and unflinching - the film uncovers a conflict between the American ideals of success and personal well-being, igniting a crucial conversation about continuity of care for our returning veterans and their families.

Panelists: 

• Jason Maris, Director: Jason Maris is a freelance editorial, commercial filmmaker and photographer with over twenty years of experience in the industry. Jason has worked with JWT, the advertising agency for the United States Marine Corps, as a recruitment photographer since 1994. His images are featured nationally on billboards, posters and in books and brochures, as well as on the web. Over 600,000 men and women have enlisted in the Marines since Jasonʼs photographs have been in circulation, because of this, he feels a tremendous responsibility to every Marine. After 9/11, he volunteered his time on awareness building campaigns for The Bob Woodruff Foundation and Travis Manion Foundation. These experiences clarified that a greater understanding of the post combat landscape was extremely important to him. Jason set out, with the help of partner, Danielle Bernstein, to make a durational movie illustrating the ambiguous nature of Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury through the eyes of a family, Homemade is the result of that endeavor.
• Adam Sorensen, USMC, Film Subject: Staff Sergeant Sorensen enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in 2005 and in 2010 was deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan as a Force Recon Team Communicator. His platoon supported Operations Moshtarak, Tor Shezada, and New Dawn in Marjeh and Trek Nawa. They also supported Operation Eastern Endeavor in Sangin, Afghanistan. He was wounded conducting combat operations on October 26, 2010. He retired in His personal awards include: The Purple Heart, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with combat distinguishing device, and gold star in lieu of 2nd award), Army Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd award), Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (3rd award), and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3rd award). Adam is an advocate for mental health awareness, working towards his Yoga Fit for Warrior teaching certification, and currently works as a outdoor adventures leader. He lives with his wife Krystal Sorensen and their dogs in Utah
• Dr. Evelyn Lewis, Warrior Centric Health Foundation: Dr. Lewis is nationally recognized for her expertise in the areas of Community Outreach, Engagement and Enablement, Veteran Health and Healthcare Issues. Dr. Lewis earned her medical degree from the University of the Health Sciences, The Chicago Medical School (Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science) and completed a residency in family practice at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL. She completed a two-year faculty development fellowship at Madigan Army Medical Center and Pacific Lutheran University with a Masters degree in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. In June 2003, Dr. Lewis retired from the United States Navy after 25 years of service. During the next seven years, Dr. Lewis was Director Medical Policy World Wide Public Affairs and Policy for Pfizer, Inc. Currently, she serves as Chief Medical Officer for Chroma Health Solutions and President and Chairman Warrior Centric Healthcare Foundation
• Tom Porter, Vice President, IAVA: Tom joined IAVA in 2015 and now leads IAVA’s government relations team in advocating for our nation’s veterans, while also serving as a media spokesman for IAVA priorities. He has led successful campaigns to protect military and veterans education benefits, address exposures to burn bits and airborne toxins while deployed, and fill gaps in care for women veterans. Prior to joining IAVA, Porter was Vice President at Morgan Meguire, LLC since 2004. He was successful in achieving goals on behalf of a nationwide client base through aggressive and bi-partisan advocacy before Congress and federal agencies. He also served nine years on the staff of three senior Members of Congress. Tom is also a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve with service since 1996, including deployments to Afghanistan and the Arabian Gulf as a Public Affairs Officer. His military experience drives him to serve our Nation’s military and veteran community, and his career working for and with Congress enables him to be a strong advocate on their behalf. Tom came to Washington, DC from the Golden State by way of Tennessee in 1996. He is a 1994 graduate of California State University, San Bernardino. In Tom’s spare time, he is completely consumed with his role as doting husband and father to three daughters. You’ll find him on weekends and many weeknights Jeeping them to and from soccer fields, martial arts lessons, and other activities.