Military stories from past to present, both wars.

Two Brothers at War, Incredible Movie…

May 7th, 2010 Posted in Military, The SandGram v1.0

Brothers at War:  Two Brothers went to fight. One went to find out why.

Not since I watched “Ross Kemp in Afghanistan” have I been glued to a war story like “Brothers at War.”  This is an amazing story of one enormous and patriotic family as filmed by the oldest brother Jake Rademacher.  His two younger brothers are both in the Army, giving a terrific perspective from both the Officer and Enlisted side as they face multiple deployments over in Iraq.

Jake, decided to find out what the war was all about from behind the lens of his camera and his approach of incorporating the family back home followed by the deployment gives some insight into what a spouse in the Military goes through.  Isaac, a West Point Grad, exudes the rock hard demeanor of a seasoned warrior, but when his little girl is hugging him, he returns to the average “Daddy” that deeply misses his wife and children but knows a higher duty which calls him to serve. 

When a deployment is scheduled for a service member, lots of horrible things go through one’s mind like “Will this be the last time I see everyone? Will I get wounded?” There are lots of prayers said to the almighty for a safe and speedy return.  Unfortunately, you have to snap your mind into combat mode to prep you for the trip which can make you seem distant to loved ones.

Watching Jake begin his journey, I can feel the same tension that he had going over.  Arriving in Kuwait after 12 hours in the air and a long day, the endless rides in blacked out buses to finally arrive on a US compound is documented well.  It’s hot there in Kuwait and humid too! Much like sitting in your garage in the summertime with the dryer on full blast while you hold the exhaust vent in your face and at the same time, toss sand in front of you.

He covers the little things well in this film, things that had happened to me both times on my trips to Iraq and Afghanistan.  Tension is convoyed well without theatrical drama or music, giving you as the viewer an insight into what your son or neighbor probably went through on their tour there.

There are a couple of highlights of the movie really struck a cord with me and I could write a whole book on them, but when you watch it, you’ll understand.

-Having to take a leak while traveling in the back of a Striker vehicle.  It’s so damn hot that you try to hydrate with a gallon of water before your missions and then the nerves hit and you have to go.  Jake knows experienced this the hard way with needles slicing his kidneys with each jarring motion of the vehicle.

-While Jake is attached to a sniper company, the banter back and forth between a sniper and his spotter is like being with your two crazy frat brothers who always make you laugh.

-Jake catching a IED explosion on film during a patrol with the Iraqi Army and their Marine mentor.  I’m yelling at the TV “Jake get the hell down!!! What the hell are you doing standing there in the middle of the frigging road filming, the bastards are going to start shooting!! Get down!!”  Jake figures out pretty fast that the insurgents have now launched their second attack with AK-47’s and gets out of harms way, but not before bullets are snapping all around him all of which are caught on film.

This movie is the raw deal. The language is laced with the spicy vernacular so common among men over there and there are scenes not for the faint of heart that show the compassion of our guys in the face of danger as they treat wounded friends.  The reunions home with the families are well documented too giving this film one of the best all inclusive views of war from start to finish. 

I met Jake at the Mil Blog Conference and have really enjoyed his company via phone calls and emails.  He has given me a promo code that takes two dollars off for you and it will be donated to Soldiers/Angels, a charity that I really like.  I think you will find this movie fascinating and if you are able to pick up a copy, please consider it.

Semper Fi,

Taco

Tags: , , ,