Real experiences of returning soldiers explored in production of Into the Fire at Pierce College Nov. 5

Real experiences of returning soldiers explored in production of Into the Fire at Pierce College Nov. 5

The Pierce College veterans program is hosting a performance of Into the Fire, a moving play that chronicles the real-life experiences of veterans returning from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam with disabilities and combat-related trauma.

The free performance begins at noon Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Health Education Center, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, 9401 Farwest Dr. SW, Lakewood. Following the performance, the actors and playwrights will facilitate an interactive discussion of war’s effects on families and communities.

Into the Fire recreates the real stories of both male and female veterans with such disabilities as traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, loss of limbs, chronic pain, mobility challenges, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The stories are interspersed with humor and music to allow audiences to process the veterans’ powerful stories.

In addition to the play, Pierce is welcoming veterans, active duty military, and their families to attend a special Veterans and Military Resource Fair from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Health Education Center at Pierce Fort Steilacoom. Veterans and military personnel will connect with local resources that can help with confidential counseling, financial management, childcare, veterans’ benefits, pre-deployment readiness, vocational rehabilitation, and educational funding.

In addition, the VA Mobile Unit will be on-hand for further assistance.