MTV News and Kanye West have teamed up to tell the stories of returning veterans in the powerful documentary Choose or Lose & Kanye West Present: Homecoming.
The one hour television special – designed to raise awareness of young veterans issues – will air on Monday, July 28, at 10pm ET/PT, and will feature West and MTV’s Sway Calloway as they drop in unexpectedly at the homes of some Iraq war veterans and see firsthand the often difficult and painful challenges the young vets face after returning home.
“There are hundreds of veterans out there who are falling through the cracks. They make the ultimate sacrifices for us by laying down their lives, but it seems like a lot of them just get forgotten about,” said West. “I know my music inspires and helps a lot of people, but you can always do more. I teamed up with MTV and took the opportunity to share the spotlight with these veterans and hear their stories. I went to their homes to listen and get their firsthand experiences. I wanted to hear their stories.”
The special will shine the spotlight on three Iraq war veterans, representing the diverse cross-section of America’s returning armed forces. The issues faced by these three young veterans are emblematic of the issues that will be faced by the more than 1.7 million young people who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. The documentary will also highlight how viewers can help through extensive resources available through www.chooseorlose.com and the Dr. Donda West Foundation – a charity set up by Kanye West and named after his late mother.
Recent MTV research revealed that nearly 70 percent of young people 18-29 personally know someone who has fought in Iraq. Through this special news presentation, Choose or Lose hopes to elevate the issues of young, new veterans; ensure Presidential candidates address these issues; and mobilize millions of young people to understand and take action in ways to help their peers who have served, who with the greatest honor, ensure that they register and vote.
For a special sneak preview of the show, or to learn more, visit the site at Think.MTV.
