South Carolina ETV’s After Action returns for season 3, highlighting veteran conversations

The season 3 premiere of After Action, a series highlighting veteran conversations, will air Oct. 6 at 9 p.m. on ETV and will be distributed to public television stations nationwide by PBS. Viewers outside South Carolina should check their local listings for airtimes in their area.

Featuring seven, one-hour episodes, After Action documents the experiences of 21 veterans from across the country. Hosted by Air Force combat veteran Stacy Pearsall, this series reveals what life is like for these American heroes before, during and after action. Filmed in rural South Carolina, each season invites new guests to share their stories, touching on topics such as service, sacrifice, transition to civilian life and the lasting impacts of combat.

In each episode, Pearsall draws on her own military service and post-service challenges to lead candid conversations that foster understanding, bridge the military-civilian divide and preserve stories that might otherwise go untold. Through these conversations, After Action continues its mission of creating a space for healing, connection and insight.

• Episode 301: “Return with Honor” – “Return with honor” is a phrase used by former prisoners of war and military personnel to signify their commitment to endure hardships, maintain dignity while captured and return home with integrity. Pearsall talks with Robert Certain, Melissa Coleman and Shoshana Johnson— three former POWs— about how their experiences shaped their lives after captivity.
• Episode 302: “From the Front” – Military leadership has a direct impact on mission success and morale. Pearsall speaks with retired Air Force Colonel Doug Cochran, retired Army Brigadier General TJ Edwards and retired Marine Sergeant Major Quintina Williams Pearson about leading in crisis and the burden of command.
• Episode 303: “Homefull” – Nearly 40,000 veterans in the U.S. are currently homeless. Pearsall talks with Patricia James-Booker, Joe Towles and Mike Coker— three veterans who have faced housing insecurity and now help others navigate homelessness and addiction in the veteran community.
• Episode 304: “Boots to Badges” – While veterans make up a small percentage of the population, they account for a significant portion of the nation’s police force. Pearsall meets with Dwayne Gunther, Paul Naples and Erik Salus— three veterans who have transitioned into careers in law enforcement, driven by service and community.
• Episode 305: “Veteran Grown” – The number of veteran-farmers is declining, but many veterans find healing and purpose through agriculture. Pearsall speaks with Davon Goodwin, Steve Jimenez and Kara Rutter, who share how farming, beekeeping and agritherapy have transformed their lives after service.
• Episode 306: “We Were There” – During the Vietnam War, military nurses served under intense and often unrecognized conditions. Pearsall speaks with Jean Berkheiser, Edie Meeks and Linda Pugsley about their experiences as flight and field nurses— and the challenges they faced upon returning home.
• Episode 307: “Warrior Tradition” – The Native American warrior tradition values courage, protection and cultural preservation. Pearsall speaks with Mitchelene BigMan, Harold “Buster” Hatcher and Johancharles “Chuck” Van Boers about their dual identity as American service members and tribal warriors.

After Action is a production of South Carolina ETV. Don Godish serves as Executive Producer and Director. Stacy Pearsall and Hannah Merchant are Producers. Major funding for After Action is provided by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina. Additional support is provided by Dominion Energy, America’s VetDogs, Robert M. Rainey, Home Telecom, Barbara Kucharczyk, and Kloo and David Vipperman. The series is filmed on location at Lowcountry Acres, Pearsall’s horse farm in rural South Carolina.

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. After service, she launched the Veterans Portrait Project, with exhibitions at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, Pentagon and other national institutions. She also co-hosts the American Legion’s “Tango Alpha Lima” podcast and continues to advocate for veteran mental health and storytelling alongside her service dog, Charlie.

In 2024, the After Action website received a Notable State Documents Award from the South Carolina State Library for its impactful storytelling and resources for veterans.

In addition to SCETV.org, as a PBS-distributed series, After Action will also be available for streaming on the PBS app, PBS Amazon Prime and on PBS.org.

To learn more about After Action, the veterans featured and available support services, visit PBS.org/afteraction. Viewers can also engage with the show on social media by following After Action on Facebook and Instagram.

“After Action continues to elevate meaningful, authentic stories from veterans whose voices are too often left out of conversations. Season 3 deepens the commitment through powerful storytelling that connects veterans and civilians alike. We are proud to bring this important series to public media audiences across the country and thankful to the veterans for trusting us to help tell their stories.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell

“Each season of After Action deepens our understanding of the veteran experience, and season 3 is no exception. The stories shared this year are not only powerful, but profoundly human— filled with strength, struggle and resilience. It’s a privilege to help bring these voices forward and to work alongside Stacy Pearsall and our team to create a series that continues to connect viewers across the country.” –SCETV Director of National Content and Regional Operations Don Godish

“After Action continues its mission to provide deeper insight into the veteran experience. Bravely, our veteran guests share their incredible, profound stories that will surely inspire and educate viewers. Ultimately, I hope this series lets those veterans who are struggling know they’re not alone, should they find themselves in a dark place— that there is a meaningful life after action.” –After Action Producer and Host Stacy Pearsall

FAST FACTS

• After Action season 3 premieres Oct. 6 at 9 p.m. on ETV.
• After Action will be distributed to public television stations throughout the U.S. by PBS. Viewers outside of South Carolina should check their local listings for airtimes in their area.
• Featuring seven, one-hour episodes, After Action documents the experiences of 21 veterans from across the country.
• Visit PBS.org/afteraction or follow After Action on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about the show, the featured veterans and available support resources.

About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state’s public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.