Mercer Library to host free screening of “To Be of Service” on November 19

Documentary film tells the story of veterans with PTSD and their service dogs

 Mercer, WI – The Mercer Public Library will host a screening of the documentary film, “To Be of Service,” on Tuesday, November 19th at 6:30 p.m. in the Mercer Community Center.

 “To Be of Service” is about the enduring costs of war told through the lives of veterans of the Viet Nam, Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The film follows vets with PTSD who, after years of struggle with substance abuse, suicide attempts, talk therapy, and prescription medications have come to find that bonding with a highly trained service dog helps them find a way back to independence, emotion and love. Through the unconditional acceptance and love of their service dogs, these veterans are able to re-establish their lives and family connections in a way that is uplifting and deeply moving. “To Be of Service” also features a new song from Jon Bon Jovi, “Unbroken,” written specifically for the film.

 This event is being held in conjunction with the Mercer Library’s display of “Wisconsin Remembers: a face for every name,” a traveling exhibit from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. The exhibit features a photo of every Wisconsinite on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC, and will be on display in the Mercer Community Center where the documentary will be screened. The exhibit will also be available to view during normal library hours from November 18 through November 27.

 This screening is presented as a FREE public program, sponsored by the Mercer Public Library. All are welcome. For more information, visit www.mercerpubliclibrary.org or call 715-476-2366.