Why Did You Join? (02:44)

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Army veterans Seth Manzel, Joseph Carter, Josh Simpson and Marine veteran Andrew Wright explain why they joined the armed forces of the United States in the time around September 11th. Marine veteran Andrew Wright describes his deployment to Iraq via Kuwait. In November 2008

Why Coffee Strong Became Necessary (01:27)

Young veterans of the Iraq war established Coffee Strong, an anti-war G.I. coffeehouse and resource center outside of JBLM in Lakewood, Wa. Joseph Carter explains his sense of having been sent to war on a lie--sent to overturn the lives of millions of people, sent to die.

Guerilla Theater - We Were the Occupiers (01:06)

On the streets of Tacoma, Washington, veterans reenact violent scenes of war taken from actions they themselves carried out in Iraq and Afghanistan. We hear their perspective on "liberation" of Iraq.

Grounds For Resistance: Coffee Strong (01:53)

Army veteran Seth Manzel, welcomes supporters and vets to Coffee Strong a non-profit organization sustained by donations. Veteran (Marines) Allen Huck has been coming here for 6 months; he shares what the experience has meant for him.

Active Duty People Need Resources (03:16)

We hear from a Vietnam era veteran who is delighted to see the torch of resistance picked up again. He shares stories of the coffee house that once occupied a spot very near Coffee Strong.

Sexual Trauma in the Military (01:30)

Statistics on sexual abuse in the military are shocking Kira Mountjoy-Pepka was persecuted by her command after reporting being raped at the Air Force Academy. Betrayal by "their own military" prevents veterans who were sexually abused from "feeling like a veteran."

Combat Stress (02:13)

Troops who served in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer high levels of combat stress. Many with PTSD are never treated. Veterans discuss the use of street drugs, alcohol and prescription medications for treating PTSD.

Shame (02:09)

Joshua Farris came home to praise and support that made him feel worse than ever about serving in the Iraq War. Matt Bambara's perspective changed when he met another vet who was opposed to the war; "It made me redefine the way I tell my story."

Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace Joint Convention - 2009 (02:51)

Coffee Strong members arrive in Washington, D.C. As they tour military exhibits at the National Museum of American History they are troubled by the "death dealers" patch and skull symbols--frequently worn by GIs--on display.

Building a National Network (03:47)

Members of three G.I. coffeehouses meet at the 2009 Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace Joint Convention. Topics for discussion include how to be a respectful presence in a military community and how to reach out to women veterans, many of who have suffered sexual abuse within the military.

Role of Vietnam War Veterans - Veterans for Peace (01:11)

Vietnam veterans in attendance at the 2009 Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace Joint Convention express appreciation for this generation of veterans.

Pre-Existing Condition? (01:50)

At a Washington, D.C. workshop, Hans Buwalda of Veterans Affairs responds to veteran (Marines) Allen Huck's question, "Is there a link between PTSD and schizoaffective disorder?" Her response angers another vet, who says such language holds the vet responsible for being "fucked up."

Military Families Speak Out (02:48)

Kevin Lucey and his wife set up a memorial for their son Jeff at the Iraq Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace Joint Convention. Jeff's suicide note--found it at the door of the cellar where Jeff had made a shrine to the family before killing himself--is part of the exhibit.

Soldier Readiness - Kevin Baker's Story (04:19)

Back at Coffee Strong, vets listen to a humorous song. We learn that Kevin Baker was subject to being reclassified so that the military could deploy him. Baker talks about how he would have handled going AWOL, should it have come to that.

Prisoners of Conscience (02:34)

Journalist Dahr Jamail speaks at the Evergreen State College to raise awareness for two prisoners held at JBLM: Sgt. Travis Bishop and Leo Church. Coffee Strong supports imprisoned soldiers, promoting fair treatment and advocating for conscientious objectors.

Protesting Outside JBLM: Travis Bishop and Leo Church (02:22)

Lead civilian defense counsel, James M. Branum speaks at a protest held on behalf of Travis Bishop and Leo Church. Marine veteran Allen Huck wears his uniform to show the public "it's not just civilians."

AWOL.: Leo Church's Story (02:00)

Coffee Strong members greet Leo Church who returns to the coffee house and explains that he first went AWOL in an attempt to take care of his family. Church is denied benefits due to his "Bad Conduct Discharge."

What They Don't Tell You (00:48)

Seth Manzel explains that military service doesn't translate to a civilian career. He hopes, through Coffee Strong, to someday offer employment training and support for veterans.

CO: Sgt. Travis Bishop's Story (03:45)

At Coffee Strong's prisoner release party, Travis Bishop explains how he came to be a conscientious objector and the consequences of his decision.

Hope for Veterans Against War (00:53)

Kevin Baker expresses appreciation for the work done by Coffee Strong.

Closing Comments and Credits: Grounds for Resistance: Stories of War, Sacrifice, and Good Coffee (05:02)

Closing Comments and Credits: Grounds for Resistance: Stories of War, Sacrifice, and Good Coffee