Still In The Fight - The Movie

This was the official website for the 2012 documentary, Still In The Fight.
The content below is from the site's 2012 archived pages.

Still In The Fight takes you into the heart of 3 American heroes who have been severely injured in combat, and their rise physically & mentally to their new normal. This film takes you on an emotional roller coaster of combat, compassion, patriotism, and healing. Still In The Fight portrays the true spirit of an American warrior, his love of country, and his road to recovery....Positive personal stories of wounded warriors that are now far from the battlefield, but are still in the fight. The film stands for the positive side of recovery of our heroes, and will serve as a positive influence to other wounded warriors that have that road ahead.

Still In The Fight features 3 amazing young men. (Lt. Jason Redman US Navy Seal) (Msgt. Spanky Gibson United States Marine Corps) (Cpl Kyle Carpenter United States Marine Corps) Their stories are incredibly inspiring, and truly dictate the mindset of todays military.

Friends of mine who knew of the about this documentary were in Baltimore for a wedding so we got together with a plan to watch this together, but we got so tied up in talking that we just forgot. We talked for 6 hours and covered the gamut from sports to sex to philosophy - yes, philosophy! Bart turned us onto this webpage about Nothing and you would not believe we were not in the philosopher's core. We actually had an animated conversation about the abstract idea of "nothing" - it's hard to believe that happened even now as I write this. Part of our far ranging conversation centered on what the US military was doing in the Middle East and Afghanistan. All of us had served and we all knew people like the three men portrayed in this documentary. Once I learned about Still In The Fight, I decided I would buy the DVD when I reached California. Update: It was well worth seeing.

Pictured is Cpl Kyle Carpenter at Walter Reed Joint Medical Hospital in Bethesda Maryland after Kyle suffered severe injuries from a enemy grenade blast in Afghanistan.

Msgt Spanky Gibson lost his leg from an emeny sniper round in Iraq. Spanky was the first ever amputee to re-deploy back into combat with a prostetic leg. Spanky inspires other wounded warriors as well as keeps very active with speaking engagements, wounded warriors sports, and more..

United States Navy Seal & wounded warrior Jason Redman. Jason sustained serious injuries during an ambush in Iraq. Jay received several machine gun, gun shot wounds while on patrol. In this picture Jay is noting he is about to go into surgery #32 into his recovery. Jay is very inspirational, and spends a lot of time with the Navy, and his company he created called wounded wear which helps other wounded warriors.

A long time friend and client of Billy Lewis, David Long founder of Specialty Engraving in North Carolina found out about what Brown & Lewis were working on, and after a few months decided to help finance the film to make it what it is today. David and his wife Janet are truly inspirational in making the film Still in The Fight a reality.

Shortly thereafter Brown talked with seasoned and talented filmographer Billy Lewis fromOrange Street Films in North Carolina...Lewis and Brown traveled to Oklahoma, Maryland, Virginia, South Caroline to meet with Kyle, Jay, & Spanky and from the very start knew that these three guys were not only special, but iconic American heroes. Lewis served on the film as a producer, director, and filmographer..

Once the film was underway, in the production stage, Brown knew that he had to find special music for the film that would not only properly tell the story through music, but the music needed to be a tool to create emotion within the film. It wasn't long after that, that Brown met Jon Pierre a composer and music producer from the Chicago area. Pierre brought an amazing talent to the film, and wrote the compositions from his own inspirations. Pierre also brought some surprises to Brown that made the film even better.

"The film has been a true inspiration for me to be a part of" says Brown. "I am always thinking about our troops both at home and in harms way. It is a very tight knit group, and I think of my time in the military as serving with my brothers. And when one of our own is wounded, it feels as if it happened to a family member. This movie helps show that life, even painful life is worth living, and that each and every day you can achieve amazing things that you didn't ever think you could accomplish. I cherish the life long friendships that I've made with Jay, Kyle, & Spanky and will never stop thinking about them, long after the film has ran its course."

More Background on StillInTheFightFilm.com

Still In The Fight: A Powerful Documentary on Wounded Warriors Still In The Fight is a compelling 2012 documentary that shines a spotlight on the resilience and determination of wounded American veterans as they navigate their recovery and reintegration into civilian life. Directed by Billy Lewis, this emotionally charged film follows the journeys of three remarkable servicemen who suffered severe injuries in combat but refused to let their wounds define them.

The Subjects

The documentary focuses on three main subjects:

Lieutenant Jason Redman - A U.S. Navy SEAL who sustained serious injuries during an ambush in Iraq, including multiple gunshot wounds.
Master Sergeant John "Spanky" Gibson - A U.S. Marine Corps veteran who lost his leg to an enemy sniper round in Iraq. Gibson made history as the first amputee to redeploy into combat with a prosthetic leg.
Corporal Kyle Carpenter - A U.S. Marine who was critically wounded by an enemy grenade blast in Afghanistan, suffering severe facial and bodily injuries.

Through intimate interviews and footage of their recovery processes, the film provides an unflinching look at the physical and emotional challenges these men face in the aftermath of their injuries. However, it also highlights their unwavering spirit and determination to overcome adversity.

Production and Release

Still In The Fight was produced by Orange Street Films, a North Carolina-based production company. Director Billy Lewis, who also served as producer and cinematographer, traveled across the country to capture the stories of Redman, Gibson, and Carpenter over an extended period. The film's production was made possible in part through the financial support of David Long, founder of Specialty Engraving in North Carolina. Long and his wife Janet were inspired by the project's mission and helped fund its completion. Composer Jon Pierre created the film's musical score, crafting original compositions that complemented the emotional tone of the veterans' stories. Still In The Fight was released in 2012 and screened at various film festivals and special events across the United States. While it may not have received widespread theatrical distribution, the documentary found its audience through targeted screenings, particularly within military and veteran communities.

Themes and Impact

At its core, Still In The Fight is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. The film explores several key themes:

Resilience in the face of adversity
The long-term impacts of combat injuries
The importance of support systems for wounded veterans
The challenges of reintegrating into civilian life
The ongoing fight for physical and mental recovery

By presenting these themes through the personal stories of Redman, Gibson, and Carpenter, the documentary puts a human face on the often-abstract concept of wounded warriors. This approach helps viewers connect emotionally with the subjects and gain a deeper understanding of their experiences. The film has been praised for its honest portrayal of the struggles faced by wounded veterans without resorting to sensationalism or pity. Instead, it focuses on the strength and determination of these individuals as they work to rebuild their lives. Still In The Fight has been used as an educational tool in various settings, including:

Military support organizations
Veterans' hospitals and rehabilitation centers
High schools and colleges
Community awareness events

The documentary has helped raise awareness about the challenges faced by wounded veterans and has inspired many viewers to get involved in supporting veteran causes.

Critical Reception

While Still In The Fight may not have received widespread mainstream media coverage, it has garnered positive reviews from those who have seen it, particularly within the military and veteran communities. Many viewers have praised the film for its raw honesty and emotional impact. The documentary's ability to balance the harsh realities of combat injuries with inspiring stories of perseverance has been particularly well-received. Critics have noted the film's high production values, especially considering its independent nature. The cinematography and editing have been commended for effectively conveying both the physical and emotional journeys of the subjects. Some reviewers have pointed out that while the film is undoubtedly inspiring, it doesn't shy away from showing the ongoing struggles and setbacks faced by wounded veterans. This balanced approach has been seen as a strength, providing a more complete and nuanced picture of the recovery process.

Cultural and Social Significance

Still In The Fight contributes to the broader cultural conversation about the long-term impacts of war and the treatment of veterans in American society. By focusing on the personal stories of wounded warriors, the film humanizes the statistics and headlines, encouraging viewers to consider the individual lives affected by combat. The documentary also highlights the importance of ongoing support for veterans, both from the government and from their communities. It serves as a reminder that the effects of war don't end when soldiers return home, and that society has a responsibility to support those who have sacrificed for their country. In the context of America's long-running conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Still In The Fight provides valuable insight into the human cost of these wars. It offers a perspective that goes beyond casualty numbers, exploring the lifelong challenges faced by those who survive severe combat injuries. The film has also played a role in challenging stereotypes about disabled veterans. By showcasing the determination and achievements of its subjects, Still In The Fight presents a narrative of empowerment rather than victimhood.

Legacy and Continued Relevance

Although released in 2012, the themes and messages of Still In The Fight remain relevant today. As veterans continue to return from overseas deployments and navigate the challenges of reintegration and recovery, the stories presented in the documentary continue to resonate. The film has inspired various outreach and support initiatives for wounded veterans. Some viewers have reported being motivated to volunteer with veteran support organizations or donate to related causes after watching the documentary. Still In The Fight has also been used in training programs for healthcare professionals and social workers who work with veterans. The personal stories presented in the film provide valuable insights into the experiences and needs of wounded warriors, helping to improve the quality of care and support they receive.

Still In The Fight stands as a powerful tribute to the courage and resilience of wounded veterans. Through its intimate portrayal of three remarkable individuals, the documentary offers viewers a deeply personal look at the challenges faced by those who have sacrificed for their country. While it may not have achieved widespread commercial success, the film has made a significant impact within military and veteran communities. Its honest, inspiring approach to a difficult subject matter has earned it praise from viewers and critics alike. As America continues to grapple with the long-term effects of its 21st-century conflicts, documentaries like Still In The Fight play a crucial role in keeping the experiences of veterans in the public consciousness. By putting a human face on the statistics, the film encourages viewers to consider their role in supporting those who have given so much in service to their nation.

StillInTheFightFilm.com