PACT Act documentary crowdfunds

For over five years, filmmakers have been following veteran supporters of a bill that recently celebrated its one-year anniversary this month. The SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act provides critical healthcare coverage to veterans suffering from exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxins related to their service. The bill, which spent even more years in the making, was signed into law on Aug. 10, 2022, after being voted on in the U.S. House twice and in the U.S. Senate three times. Heath Robinson, the bill's namesake, died in May 2020, nearly a decade after returning home from overseas, where he served near burn puts — football-field sized open fire pits used to burn anything and everything like trash, plastic, metal, paints and more. Robinson served with the Ohio National Guard in Kosovo and Iraq. And, when he returned home, he became seriously ill but was denied benefits through the Veterans Administration due to the illnesses not being recognized. Robinson was 39 when he died and left behind his wife, Danielle, and their daughter, Brielle. Susan Zeier, a Sandusky native, protests for the passage of the bill named after her son-in-law Heath Robinson, in Washington, D.C., in 2022. ANGELA LAROSA/Courier file His mother-in-law Susan Zeier, a Sandusky native, spent years campaigning for the passage, making sure his last wish was granted. After veterans camped out for a week in 90-plus degree heat, rain or shine, senators voted 86-11 to pass the PACT Act last July. Zeier, Danielle and Brielle were some honored at the bill-signing ceremony in the East Room of the White House last August. More than 20 burn pit and other toxic exposure presumptive conditions have been added to the PACT Act. And now, the "Thank You For Your Service: A Burn Pit Story" documentary is crowdfunding to get the story told in another format. Joel Gonzales, the film's producer, said he's passionate about the project because it's about veterans and the true stories of what they sacrificed with the war that followed them home. The documentary uncovers the scandal behind toxin exposure and follows Rosie Torres, who spent 13 years fighting for justice for her husband Le Roy Torres, who served in Iraq in 2007. Le Roy suffers from complications from illnesses that began after he was exposed to toxic fumes during service and was diagnosed with constrictive bronchiolotis and toxic brain injury. Together, they founded Burn Pits 360, the only nonprofit organization to offer an independent burn pit exposure registry for veterans who have died from toxin-related illnesses. The film covers stories of hardship, outrage, love, persistence and success. Rather than releasing the film to streaming services, the documentary crew decided to independently release the film, and support of the film is needed. As of Tuesday, $7,300 in donations had been collected. But, it's less than 10% of their goal. In 24 days, the film needs $75,000, with $50,000 needed to be able to access the money. To incentive donations, the crew is offering special gifts based on incremental donation amounts, such as receiving a social media shout-out for $10; a virtual town hall with the Torres', 9/11 activist John Feal and other guests for $75; a memorial to a soldier in the credits for $250; and more. Donations to the film can be made and the pitch video can be seen at supportourstory.com/burnpitsmovie