Press Release
South Carolina ETV (SCETV) today announced that production will begin in August 2023 on seven new one-hour episodes of After Action, the acclaimed PBS series that offers an inside look at what life is like before, during and after action. Hosted by Air Force combat veteran Stacy Pearsall, the series explores the lived experiences of diverse veterans from across the country through candid conversations. After Action seeks to demystify the military experience, provide a platform for dialogue among family members and preserve military stories, many of which have been left untold.
Topics explored in Season 2 include the unique challenges faced by women, parents and LGBTQ+ members of the military; the experiences of Gold Star family members who enlisted; the dangers of toxic exposure; and a conversation with chaplains to discuss faith, hope and moral injury after action. Season 2 of After Action is scheduled to premiere on PBS stations across the country and on PBS.org in Spring 2024. Season 1 is currently available to stream on PBS.org.
After Action producer and host Stacy Pearsall is a retired Air Force Staff Sergeant and former aerial combat photojournalist who earned the Bronze Star Medal and Air Force Commendation with Valor for combat actions in Iraq. Following her service, Pearsall began the Veterans Portrait Project as a way to honor her fellow veterans; her photographs have been exhibited at the Pentagon, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and other venues. Though combat disabled and retired from military service, Pearsall — like many of the veterans featured in the series — does not let her disabilities hold her back. With her service animal by her side, America's Vet Dogs Charlie, Pearsall taps into her own struggles to challenge her fellow veterans to probe deeper into their stories. Through these intimate conversations, After Action seeks to provide a community for other veterans and help non-veterans gain a better understanding of those who have served.
After Action is a production of SCETV. Don Godish is the executive producer and director. Stacy Pearsall and Hannah Merchant are producers. The series is hosted by Pearsall. Production funding for After Action is provided by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina, Polycor and Friends of After Action.
Visit pbs.org/afteraction to learn more about the series, featured veterans and resources for veterans. Viewers can also engage with the show on Facebook and Instagram.
