A LOOK AT UPCOMING EPISODES OF ‘AFTER ACTION’

Episode 201: “Parenting in Service” – Tuesday, May 7 at 10 p.m., KNME-HD 5.1

When service before self is the military mantra, the family’s needs often come second to Uncle Sam. As the saying goes, “If the military wanted you to have a family, they would have issued you one.” Yet over 40% of service members have children. Host and retired Air Force Staff Sergeant Stacy Pearsall talks with Bill Brokop, Maria “Coco” Gunther and Hannah Merchant, three veterans who faced the challenge of balancing the needs of a nation with the needs of their families.

Episode 202: “For God and Country” – Tuesday, May 14 at 10:30 p.m. , KNMEHD 5.1

Since 1775, chaplains have supported the spiritual needs of the troops and provided counseling on military issues, family troubles and religious matters. In combat, they comfort the wounded and help the dying transition from this life to the next. Three chaplains who committed their lives to God and Country — Reverend Addison Burgess, Rabbi Julie Schwartz and Imam Khallid Shabazz — join host and retired Air Force Staff Sergeant Stacy Pearsall to discuss faith and the challenge of caring for themselves while shouldering the burdens of others.

Episode 203: “Invisible Veteran” – Tuesday, May 21 at 10:00 p.m., KNME-HD 5.1

Many stores across America have designated parking spaces for veterans, used by countless thankful vets. For women veterans, parking in that space comes with the risk of being confronted by angry bystanders who assume they are military wives instead of veterans and are dishonoring what that parking space represents. Veterans Ashley Brokop, Bambi Bullard and Tonya Savice join host and retired Air Force Staff Sergeant Stacy Pearsall to explore the unique needs and experiences of women who have served in the military.

Episode 204: “Gold Star Service” – Tuesday, May 28 at 10:30 p.m., KNME-HD 5.1

When a family loses a military member during service, they become known as a Gold Star Family — a designation no one wishes to receive. Host Stacy Pearsall, whose own family became a Gold Star family in 1944, 1945 and 1969, talks with Shanon Duffy, Joe LaPointe and Nathaniel Lee, three veterans who felt compelled to serve after they became Gold Star survivors.