Movie reaction
among vets worse
than thought

The Department of Veterans
Affairs continues to field calls
about 'Saving Private Ryan'

By Gregg K. Kakesako
Star-Bulletin

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs continues to field calls about the World War II movie "Saving Private Ryan," which contains graphic battle scenes.

Vet Center Director Steve Molnar, who has seen the movie, said: "I don't think anyone was prepared for how strong a film it is. The veterans who have seen it say that's the closest thing to actual combat."

"Saving Private Ryan," which opened two weekends ago, is about eight soldiers who survive the invasion of Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, and are then sent farther into France to find the son of an Iowa woman, whose three other sons have died in battle.

The screenplay was inspired by a true World War II story -- about soldier Fritz Niland, whose three brothers were all lost in combat within a single week in 1944. The movie also mentions the Sullivans, five brothers who perished during the battle of Guadalcanal on the same Navy vessel.

Some psychologists have suggested that veterans may want to avoid the war movie since it can trigger painful memories. Talk of post-traumatic stress disorder usually centers on Vietnam veterans, but veterans from World War II and Korea are just as susceptible, counselors say.

The intensity of the Steven Spielberg movie matches that of Vietnam films such as "Platoon," "Full Metal Jacket" and "Hamburger Hill" -- all of which present combat from the soldier's point of view.

Molnar said the film "has helped a lot of veterans by giving them the opportunity to process the experience."

Dr. Maurice Sprenger, assistant chief of staff for mental health services for the Department of Veterans Affairs, said the graphic battle scenes could result in nightmares, sleep problems, depression and panic and anxiety attacks.

Molnar said the Vet Center, which was created in 1979 to help provide for Vietnam War veterans, has no eligibility restrictions such as income or whether the veteran has a service-connected disability. Its powers were later expanded to include all veterans, from World War II to the conflict in Somalia.

To get help Veterans and their families can obtain help by calling the Vet Center or Veterans Affairs. The number for Veterans Affairs is 566-1412. Information on the Vet Center can be obtained by calling 566-1764 on Oahu. Call 242-8557 on Maui; 246-1163 on Kauai; 969-3833 in Hilo; and 329-0574 in Kona.