"Defenders of the Dream" is a half-hour, magazine-format show comprised of three student-produced, short documentaries about the lives of Vietnam veterans in East Tennessee. The films were directed by University of Tennessee journalism and electronic media students: Isaac Ward, Isaac Fowler & Tim Morris and Jessie Tipton. The broadcast program was produced by journalism and electronic media student Abby Bower.

Individual Films

Life After War in East Tennessee

"Life After War in East Tennessee" was directed Isaac Ward, a senior in the School of Journalism and Electronic Media. Isaac was interested in understand how the Vietnam War shaped the lives of veterans in his northern East Tennessee. He was especially interested in examining the jobs veterans came home to after the war.

Mentor: Doug McDaniels, Storyhaus Media

Welcome Home Brother

"Welcome Home Brother" was directed by journalism and electronic media seniors Isaac Fowler and Tim Morris. The directing team has worked together for the last three years at the University of Tennessee's VFL Films. Their film documents how veterans of the Bill Robinson Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America have found community, and healing, through brotherhood.

Mentor: Rich Middlemas, producer of the Academy Award-winning Undefeated

A Hero's Welcome: The Bill Robinson Story

Director Jessie Tipton was inspired by the camaraderie of the members of the Bill Robinson Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America. He was especially inspired by its namesake, Capt. Bill Robinson. In this film, Tipton, a journalism and electronic media senior, looks into the life of one of East Tennessee’s most honored sons and documents how Capt. Robinson turned his nearly eight years of captivity into a lifetime of helping others.

Mentor: John Becker, WBIR-TV

Donors and Supporters

"Defenders of the Dream" would not have been possible without the support of how amazing donors and supporters. Specifically, this project was supported through funding by:

Deb Woolley

Raymond James

Kevin McIntyre

Donna Silvey

Experience Learning @ UTK

School of Journalism & Electronic Media @ UTK

East Tennessee PBS

All of our crowdfunding supporters


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