Veterans Gather for Heartfelt Screening of WWII POW Harvey Horn’s Inspiring Journey

Dozens gathered at the Tucson Vet Center to watch Harvey Horn's movie about his experiences as a POW in WWII.

Veterans previewed the film "Flight from Darkness: A Jewish Airman's Odyssey from Nazi Captivity to Freedom" by Paul Boese. He learned of Horn's story from his 10-year-old son's classmate, who was captivated by Horn's experiences.

He navigated for the 772nd Bomb Squadron in WWII. He completed 5 missions before enemy fire downed his plane, leading to his imprisonment at Stalag 13D in Nuremberg, Germany.

Horn shared with the group that he sought help for his trauma years after returning home, with his wife's support.

At 100 years and 11 months old, Horn stated, "I still attend PTSD group and I'm the oldest one there." He noted that while some Veterans from his era would discuss their experiences openly, others never did.

The Vet Center focuses on readjustment services, including counseling. They offer support to help Veterans transition successfully from military to civilian life or cope with traumatic military experiences.

These community-based counseling centers offer a wide range of social and psychological services. They provide professional counseling to eligible Veterans, service members (including National Guard and Reserve components), and their families.

For Veterans in southern Arizona, they have access to Vet Centers in Tucson and Yuma and an outstation opening in Sierra Vista in January. 

The screening of "Flight from Darkness" served as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of wartime experiences. Harvey Horn's presence and candid sharing of his journey underscored the importance of continued care and understanding for Veterans. The film raised awareness about the sacrifices made and the long-lasting effects of PTSD, and it reinforces the value of preserving and sharing these stories for future generations, ensuring that the experiences of Veterans like Horn continue to educate and inspire.