Soldier recounts day he escaped death
The Humvee slowly rumbled up that Baghdad road on the October 2005 day that changed Sgt. Bryan Anderson's life.
"I didn't hear it, but I saw it -- the flash, and smoke and the fire coming through the door," the 25-year-old Rolling Meadows native told on-screen interviewer James Gandolfini. "I realized we got hit, we got hit, and then I had blood on my face and the flies were landing all over my face."
Iraqi insurgents captured video of the roadside bomb which took Anderson's legs and left arm, and that footage made the final cut in the HBO documentary "Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq." A select few, including Anderson and his family, took in a screening Thursday at the Palmer House in Chicago. The 60-minute documentary first airs at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9. The documentary will also be available on www.hbo.com
An "alive day" refers to the day a soldier escapes death. It's a day of celebration on par with a birthday. Anderson's alive day is Oct. 23.
Gandolfini, the star of HBO's "Sopranos," executive-produced the project. While he wasn't present Thursday, he served as the project's interviewer, speaking with 10 soldiers and marines who were hurt in Iraq, as they talked about their losses in war. The injuries included amputations like Anderson's to closed-head injuries, which caused memory loss.
Veteran documentary-maker Jon Alpert directed and produced the project, saying he wants to the public to know as much about the cost of war as possible.
"You need to meet people like Bryan and pay attention to what they have to say," he said.
Alpert has filmed in Castro-led Cuba and even interviewed Saddam Hussein. In measuring up, Alpert said Anderson had a slightly cocky attitude that played well on film.
"It's a shock, and you don't know how to behave," Alpert said.
Alpert said it was a challenge to work with Gandolfini, as he had no prior journalistic experience. The fact is Tony Soprano is a shy guy in real life.
"Jim was nervous, he was reluctant to ask the emotional-type questions," Alpert said.
The film also includes footage of Anderson at Rolling Meadows High School as a gymnast doing the floor exercise, as well as a bit in an Army boxing match prior to the accident in Baghdad. The film leads off with Anderson's 6-minute segment.
Alpert also notes Anderson was the only one filmed who questioned celebrating his alive day.
"But from my point of view, it's like OK, we're sitting here celebrating the worst day of my life," Anderson told Gandolfini. "Great, let's just remind me of that every year -- I don't know."
Anderson, outfitted with a pair of new prosthetics, said Thursday he's since mellowed on that notion and will somehow celebrate. He's met the other stars of the movie, and said their attitudes continue to inspire him.
HBO found Anderson after contacting the Wounded Heroes Foundation, which has worked closely with Anderson since his return home. HBO also made a donation to the foundation. The charity's Anna Sherony gushed about the film, hoping it would inspire the public to support the troops.
"I think some people believe the government should be taking care of our troops. I believe it's all of us that should be taking care of our troops," she said. "And if you get to wake up everyday in this great country and be able to breathe freedom, you owe it to our troops."
The film was made without the assistance of the government. Alpert said access to Walter Reed Medical Center dried up quickly, as news would later spread in February about veterans treated improperly at the Washington, DC hospital. The filmmakers later decided to rent out a New York City theater and invited the interview subjects there.
Anderson hasn't spent more than two weeks straight in Rolling Meadows since he returned last year. He's befriended many stars including Gary Sinise and Bears kicker Robbie Gould. Add Gandolfini to the list. Anderson was even on hand for the taping of the last "Sopranos" episode.
"He's awesome, that guy is one of the coolest guys I've ever met," Anderson said.