Changing the Conversation: The Power of Telling Veterans' Stories

First Lady Michelle Obama, as part of the Joining Forces initiative, delivers remarks at an event with Got Your 6 and industry leaders in film and television to launch a new effort to expand public understanding of veterans issues, at the National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C. January 30, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

Hollywood came to Washington last week when Got Your 6 and The Company hosted the launch of the “6 Certified" campaign. During the event at National Geographic, the First Lady joined actor Bradley Cooper, producer Bruce Cohen, and others to offer remarks highlighting the role Hollywood that can play in expanding public understanding of veterans’ issues. 

The “6 Certified” campaign seeks to encourage accurate and responsible depictions of veterans in film and television projects. During her remarks, the First Lady shared the stories of three veterans she had met through her work on Joining Forces, and talked about how these experiences have changed her. The First Lady told the audience:

You shouldn’t have to be First Lady to have the opportunity to see all of that. So today, I’m calling on all of you and folks across the entertainment industry to change the conversation about our veterans and military families. Give us the full story.

The First Lady is no stranger to Got Your 6, an entertainment industry-backed campaign devoted to changing the narrative around America’s veterans in popular culture through collective impact. Earlier this year, she participated in a public service announcement with the Penguins of Madagascar, where she helped the Penguins debunk myths about veterans. 

Storytelling plays an important role in helping to expand awareness around all sorts of issues. Joining Forces applauds Got Your 6, The Company, and Hollywood for creating content that showcases the depth and breadth of the veteran experience.

First Lady Michelle Obama, as part of the Joining Forces initiative, delivers remarks at an event with Got Your 6 and industry leaders in film and television to launch a new effort to expand public understanding of veterans issues, at the National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C. January 30, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

Rory Brosius is the Deputy Director of Joining Forces.