Healing the Heroes of 9-11: The Way Forward

The Backstory of the Documentary

I always wanted to do a Documentary Film on 9/11 and show the work we do to let people know they can heal PTSD and depression. It took a back burner for quite a while, then a survivor of 9/11 came through and healed their trauma from that day, rekindling the fire inside. It was 2021, and I contacted Michael Gier of Gier Productions, LLC. I met Michael a few years ago when he interviewed me for the film "Wounded Heroes." I phoned Michael and asked his thoughts on filming for 22ZERO, a Documentary called "Healing the Heroes of 9-11: The Way Forward."? Michael had a quick response. Sure, sure, when do you need it by?

My reply shocked him, "We'd like to have it available for the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Michael said, "Dan, you realize it's July 9?" I was like, "Is that a problem?" Of course, I could not understand how much post-production work would be involved. I spoke with our board of directors, who agreed it would be a great way to get our story out to the world. We signed a contract with Michael, and just like that, we started.

I contacted Westgate Resorts, Mark Waltrip, specifically their Chief Operations Officer. He connected us with the Westgate Foundation, a philanthropic organization controlled by Westgate Resorts. Westgate Foundation provided free lodging and interview facilities in their Manhattan Hotel. Westgate Foundation provided a huge contribution to the cause.

I was freaking out about paying for the entire project, and low and behold, the intention was set, and the funds came in to pay for the project down to the penny. This film was meant to be. Michael began preparing the project, looking for first responders to interview, scheduled flights to NYC, and quickly, the project was underway. I will say Michael is not only super professional but efficient. I can't begin to fathom how much hard work he put into the project. Michael made the deadline a reality; we went live on the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

The biggest issue was for the 20th-anniversary launch, we had a new problem. A catastrophic failure of command at levels we have never witnessed before. The withdrawal from Afghanistan impeded the launch as we were doing our public relations; interviews were not to promote the film; it shifted. We know that veterans took their lives in the quake of failure. The word needed to get out there was a solution for their emotions. Many men and women reached out after watching interviews in different markets; they were assessed and placed with peer coaches at 22ZERO, starting their healing journey.

Men and women are still struggling from 9/11 and the Afghanistan withdrawal. I know this from personal experience regarding the failure of command in Afghanistan; recently, my emotions started getting overwhelmed, and I couldn't figure out why. Not until a client from Anxiety Guys, our civilian for-profit, texted me. She said, "I know veterans are having a difficult time at the moment; I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you." I was scratching my head; what is she talking about? Then, it hit me like a sack of bricks—the anniversary of the withdrawal. I associated my mind with the television drama unfolding in September 2021. Witnessing 13 Americans killed because the Commander on the ground refused to allow guards to stop the suicide bomber with positive ID from two independent sources. The bomber should have been stopped, and the 13 Americans should still be alive with their families—reckless abandon of command, which goes to the top with POTUS.

If you can Feel it we can Heal it!