“To Hell and Back,” a documentary about a group of Marines’ experience in Afghanistan, premieres in Alabama tonight at the Pell City Center at 7 p.m. A special reception for military families will be held before the event, beginning at 6 p.m. The film is a 2012 Sundance Film Festival award winner and nominated for an Oscar.

They fought for American freedoms, justice and democracy.  Now M.A.P.S. (Military Assistance Personnel Support) is fighting back for veterans in St. Clair County.

M.A.P.S. will host the Alabama premiere of “To Hell and Back”, a documentary about a group of Marines’ experience in Afghanistan.

In 2009 in Helmand Province Afghanistan marines were dropped behind enemy lines.  Cut off and surrounded, the Marines fight the enemy and experience immense hostility from the displaced villagers. Filmmaker Dennis Danfung was embedded with Echo Company and captures the frontline action.  When one member of Echo Co., Sgt Harris, returns home to N.C. after life threatening injuries, the film evolves from a war expose to one man’s personal apocalypse.  With the love of his wife he struggles to overcome the difficulties of transitioning to civilian life.  Sgt Matthew Bein, a native of Pell City, was also part of Echo Company and was wounded by an IED. He and fellow Marines will be at this premiere with their families to speak of the difficult journey he and his fellow Marines have traveled.

“We were ready for anything until we came home,” Bein said.

This film contains graphic war imagery.

The award-winning documentary (Sundance 2012) and Oscar-nominated film will be shown at the Pell City Center tonight at 7 p.m.  A reception honoring the men and their families will precede the film at 6 p.m.

“This is about joining community forces,” Greg Jacobik, M.A.P.S. veterans advocate, said.

At their regular meeting on Tuesday, the county commission approved $1,000 for the Pell City Board of Education to show the film in the CEPA Center.

The commission also presented a proclamation to M.A.P.S. and military veterans recognizing and honoring men and women for their dedication and service to their country.

“People don’t really realize what war does to soldiers,” Commission Chairman Stan Batemon said.  “But I think citizens are realizing that more and more.”  

In addition to the festivities on Thursday, Metro Bank in Pell City kicks off their fundraiser for M.A.P.S. at 10:30 a.m. with a reception at the Martin Street location.  

The fundraiser will support M.A.P.S. in their efforts to help meet the needs of veterans in the way of health/medical needs, employment and education opportunities.