Unique documentary on moral injury premieres on National Television in November
For decades, we’ve heard about the devastating, life-altering effects that war has on our veterans, from physical injuries to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). But there’s another form of pain that many veterans experience, though it’s not as commonly discussed. Thanks to the efforts of a Folsom resident and award-winning journalist, this issue is now being brought to light.
It’s called Moral Injury, and career journalist Cristina Mendonsa is raising awareness through a new documentary. After more than a year of work on her film Sacred Texts of War, Mendonsa is premiering the project at the Harris Center for the Arts Sunday, Sept. 29, in the town she’s called home for more than three decades. The documentary is set to reach a national audience, with the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) airing it in November (Nov. 6). Folsom Times sat down with Mendonsa about her project, that has truly been a labor of love for more than a year now.
Sacred Texts of War is a powerful film that delves into the emotional struggles veterans face long after leaving the frontlines. Through narrative therapy, veterans share letters written to those they’ve lost or harmed in battle, offering a raw and unfiltered look at their journey toward healing. Mendonsa, known for her visual storytelling through her work at various media outlets and her own company, Mendonsa Media, produced the documentary with a focus on Moral Injury and the nonprofit organization helping veterans cope with it.
This is the second documentary Mendonsa has produced independently through her company. The idea came to her when she reconnected with Dr. Melinda Keenan, a former Veterans Affairs employee who often assisted Mendonsa with stories during her time in television news where she was a decorated news anchor in the Sacramento market before starting her own company and then becoming the morning voice of KFBK News Radio where she continues today.
“Whenever I needed a story about veterans, I’d give her a call, and she would help set things up,” Mendonsa said. “Years went by without contact, but when I reconnected with her, I learned she had founded a clinic to help veterans in a specific way. That’s when I knew I wanted to do something that focused on Moral Injury, rather than PTSD.”
Dr. Keenan is now the director of the Center for Post-Traumatic Growth in Gold River, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans, first responders, and their families heal from Moral Injury and PTSD.
Moral Injury occurs when highly trained service members are repeatedly exposed to events that violate their deeply held moral values. According to Dr. Keenan’s organization, it affects those who are often the most competent, compassionate, and principled. These individuals may feel alienated from others, believing they’ve violated basic human conduct. The injury stems from broken relationships, severed through traumatic loss or perceived transgressions against others.
“Moral Injury is a subset of PTSD, but it also includes guilt and shame,” Mendonsa explained in an interview with *Folsom Times*. “It could result from killing someone in the line of duty when that goes against personal beliefs, making a decision that led to a buddy’s death, or being unable to save a life. PTSD treatments don’t always work for Moral Injury.”
Dr. Keenan’s treatment method is unique, and it’s reflected in the film’s title as well. Mendonsa explained Moral Injury surrounds a relationship within tragedy.
“Moral Injury is caused by a broken relationship, often involving a death as a result of a decision or limitation,” Mendonsa said. “What Dr. Keenan does is help rebuild that relationship, even though the person is no longer alive. She has these combat veterans write letters—not about the trauma—but to the person they killed or lost. They express their guilt, shame, and how their lives have been impacted.”
Once these emotional letters are refined, veterans read them aloud in a group of fellow combat veterans who have gone through the same process.
“By talking about the decisions that led to Moral Injury, veterans can carry it better,” Mendonsa said. “It’s a group therapy session, but it’s only with other combat vets.”
For Mendonsa, making the documentary was an emotional journey. While she spent countless hours scripting, editing, and acquiring historical combat footage, she also spent time with veterans suffering from Moral Injury, hearing their stories and witnessing their emotions firsthand. With veteran suicide rates at alarming levels, Mendonsa hopes her documentary can help change the conversation around this often-overlooked issue.
“Dr. Keenan has seen veterans, 20 years after their service, who have contemplated suicide or lost jobs to alcoholism,” Mendonsa said. “After this therapy, the pain doesn’t completely go away, but one veteran described it as a hologram that comes and goes. Dr. Keenan believes many veteran suicides are linked to Moral Injury, not just PTSD.”
Mendonsa spent time with Dr. Keenan, selecting veterans willing to share their stories for the documentary. Funding for the project came through grants, and production began in August of last year.
“We cut the trailer a year and a half ago to secure funding, because these productions require resources,” Mendonsa said. “That funding came through last August, and we did our first shoot then. It took a year to pull everything together.”
PBS plans to air the film nationally around Veterans Day, with the potential for international distribution as well. Before that, however, Sacred Texts of War will premiere in Folsom, a special moment for Mendonsa.
“It’s wonderful to premiere this at the Harris Center,” Mendonsa said. “Folsom has been my home for most of my career, and I’ve gotten to know so many people here. We also have production staff flying in from all over the nation for the premiere, which is very special to me.”
After the Harris Center premiere, Mendonsa will host a Q&A session with Dr. Keenan, veterans featured in the documentary, and others involved in the project. She encourages the public to attend, learn more about Moral Injury, and engage in the conversation.
Sunday’s event at the Harris Center begins at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online HERE. For more information on Dr. Keenan and the Center for Post-Traumatic Growth, visit www.centerptg.org.
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