impact Episode 38: Ananda's War

Producer Erica Bardin explores the suicide of a newlywed Iraq War soldier after the completion of his third tour of duty. We look at his story within the larger context of the mental and emotional struggle soldiers face upon returning to civilian life after their service is over.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• USC
• University of Southern California
• USC Annenberg School for Communication
• War
• PTSD

[Sararupa]

I knew Ananda a long time ago. When I heard that he had died, it broke my heart. The sad thing is that I knew his dad and I feel so angry inside to hear about what Ananda went through. He was a good kid that didn't deserve the childhood he had. The one thing I am glad to hear though is that he had a wonderful wife, ex-wife and beautiful children. I see a lot in here about lying....believe me that kid went through a lot and still came out a good man.Godspeed Ananda, love to all he left behind.

[surrealistorg]

Ananda was a dear soul. God bless him and may he find peace. I am glad my tape recording could be of use in making this documentary about his life.

[cisana98]

Thank you very much. I am very proud of my service and I havnt had to go threw the horror of war because of my wife being ill. My family comes first. I believe you but I guess I never thought that of him. Only had a breif experiance with him but in that time I can remember there was something special about him. everyone did. I only wish I would have kept in contact with him. Thanks agian and maybe we can exchage stories about McClure which I knew him by, sometime.

[Tigerella]

I also agree that Andy was all those things you say... but he was also emotionally troubled due to his childhood. I doubt you saw the waiver he got when he enrolled. I did.

He did proudly serve his country though.

[Tigerella]

Well, thank you for your service first of all. It's a good thing you did not know the liar in Andy... but that is OK. He kept that for the family and was never done to intentionally hurt even if that is how it turned out. I hope you are doing good and talk with somebody if you have the need, Andy had a hard time to connect the last few days. His kids had no clue about his feelings. His son is still struggling with Andy's actions and have nightmares. Not an easy life... that of a soldier.

[cisana98]

I had the privilege to serve with Ananda McClure from april 03-july 03. In that little time I never saw a masterful liar or what u say. I saw a smart, kind, funny as hell, strong soldier. Its not why he was allowed to be a soldier, he choose to be a soldier like most of us, I did not have contact with him after we were deactivated in 03 but he left a lasting impression on me which this documentary is about. I just found out about Ananda a few days ago. he will be missed.

[Tigerella]

As a neighbor and friend of the family I watched this film with interest. It's well done but like any other documentary it comes from a particular POV. I was around Andy (which he called himself) and on one hand he shared little of his emotions (like after returning from tour of duty) and on another he was a masterful liar and knew how to exagerate to get things his way. Andy was troubled for many reasons... and why he was allowed to be a soldier that is really a question that needs an answer.