Ready for War

Ready for War is a gripping documentary film directed by Andrew Renzi in 2019 that narrates the stories of three veterans who have returned from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan to become victims of America's deportation policies. The film explores the heart-wrenching issues of immigration, PTSD, and the harsh reality of life for the military veterans who struggle with reintegrating into society post-war.

The film starts with a flashback of the veterans on the battlefield, intercut with present-day footage of them being taken away from their families and deported to their native countries. We are introduced to three different veterans, Hector Barajas, Miguel Perez, and Jesus Sanchez, who share their intimate thoughts and experiences in heart-wrenching interviews. Hector Barajas, who was born in Mexico but raised in the United States, enlisted in the army in his youth and deployed to Iraq not once but twice. After serving his country honorably, he received a general discharge due to a bar altercation, resulting in his deportation to Mexico, where he soon realized that he was all alone with no family, no friends, and no home to return to.

Miguel Perez, who also served in the Iraq war, was born in Mexico but raised from the age of eight in Chicago, where he grew up with gangs and drugs. After he was sent to prison for selling drugs, he enlisted in the army and served with distinction only to be deported back to Mexico for his crimes after his tour in Iraq was over.

Finally, Jesus Sanchez, who had served five tours during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars as a Marine, found himself lost and depressed after his return home. He struggled with PTSD, turned to drugs and crime, and ended up in prison for his involvement in a gang. He was released only to be deported to Mexico, where he has no connections or support.

The film captures the emotional and physical toll that deportation has taken on these veterans and their families, the sense of abandonment they feel by their country, and the harsh reality of life in Mexico. It also highlights the challenges that these veterans face in seeking treatment for mental health issues like depression and PTSD. The documentary skillfully presents the bureaucratic red tape these veterans face when they try to navigate the immigration system, seeking to return to their families in the United States. Ready for War provides relentless insight into the daily battle that plagues deported veterans trying to come back to the United States to regain their lives.

The film features some special moments, including interviews with people from different walks of life, including other veterans who share their stories and perspectives on the promised support offered to those who risked their lives for the United States. It features Greg Benge, a veteran's advocate, who works tirelessly to create an awareness campaign for deported veterans, and the team of people that works with him to support these men and women to find a way back home. The documentary also shows how people in Mexico support these veterans, offering them hope and a new sense of belonging.

In conclusion, Ready for War is a powerful and deeply moving film that sheds much-needed light on the plight of veterans who have given up everything for their country but are betrayed and forsaken by the very government they served. Though the film could take a graphical look at the trauma of war and the pain of being separated from families, it does an excellent job of humanizing these warriors and giving them the platform they deserve to share their experiences. Ultimately, Ready for War is a story of love, hope, and resilience that showcases the true meaning of courage in the face of adversity.