University Honors Veterans with Debut Film Thursday

In an effort to help raise awareness about wounded veterans and in honor of Veteran’s Day, Texas A&M International University will host the Laredo premiere of “Swim” presented by co-producer, director and Iraq war veteran Matt Cook on Thursday, Nov. 6 in the TAMIU Student Center Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

Admission is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The TAMIU Athletics Department is sponsoring the film’s presentation and a commemorative breakfast for Veterans. TAMIU is the first university to host the film.

“Swim” follows Air Force veteran David Broyles and Army officer Rush Vann as they attempt to swim the Strait of Gibraltar to raise awareness and funds for disabled veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

"The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are over five years old and the injuries suffered by our soldiers will last a lifetime. These men and women are often the same age as college students and I believe it is important for our students to recognize the sacrifice others are making," said Dan Lathey, associate director of Athletics and key event organizer.

Also, an appreciation breakfast and presentation for Veterans was held earlier in the day in TAMIU’s Western Hemispheric Trade Center. It included commemorative statements by TAMU sophomore and veteran Enrique Reyes and Dr. William W. Riggs, a TAMIU associate professor for the department of social sciences who served proudly in the United States Marines for over 20 years.

"During this time of war, it is important that the campus community and community at large realize there are serious injuries being suffered by our brave men and women in the military. These injuries will last long after the wars are over and if this event raises awareness of this struggle, it will have served its purpose," said Lathey.

For more information, please contact Dan Lathey at 326.2892, visit offices in Kinesiology-Convocation Building or click on tamiu.edu

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu