

How A Toy Car Helps This Veteran Persevere
American Veteran: Keep it Close delves into the Veteran experience by exploring the significance of objects that veterans carried with them or brought back home from their service. Hosted by Shain Brenden, a former medic in the US Navy who served multiple tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Marines, the series asks what these objects meant, and why they still matter today.
How A Toy Car Helps This Veteran Persevere
American Veteran: Keep It Close Episode 8 | 5m 49s | CC
Patricia Harris was in the Army for more than two decades. When stationed in Germany she experienced sexual harassment on active duty and domestic violence at home. The one place she found solace was in her red VW beetle. When she later deployed to Desert Shield/Desert Storm, she carried a replica of the car with her. Today the toy serves as a constant reminder of hope and freedom.