PBS Documentary “Defying Death On The Atlantic”
May 19, 2025
The Arlington Memorial Gardens has obtained the exclusive rights to premiere the new PBS Documentary “Defying Death On The Atlantic” during the 10th anniversary of their “Field of Memories” celebration, which honors the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.
The documentary tells the story of a four-man rowing team of Air Force Veterans known as “Team Fight Oar Die, that embarked on a perilous 3,000-mile ocean rowing race called “The World’s Toughest Row” in 2022 across the Atlantic in order to raise money and create awareness for veterans experiencing mental illness. Their boat capsized when they were hit by a 30-foot swell, and high winds, leaving them 800 miles from the nearest piece of land in the middle of the night. The team spent 18 hours in life raft before a miraculous rescue occurred.
“Team Fight Oar Die” crew member, Air Force Veteran and Cincinnati native Tommy Hester, who served in Iraq, will be sharing his journey, and introducing the documentary before each scheduled showing Arlington’s chapel. Showtimes are as follows:
Saturday, May 24th 1:00pm
Saturday, May 24th 4:00pm
Sunday, May 25th 2:00pm
Tommy will also be speaking at the annual “Lunch With A Veteran,” which takes place on Sunday, May 25th at 11:30am. This event is free and the entire community is invited.
Tommy is currently the Vice President and Co-Founder of Heroic Expeditions, Inc. a non-profit organization whose mission is empowering veterans to reclaim their sense of self, and help them find healing, and unearth the boundless possibilities that await them after their years of military service. Programs include Mental Health Counseling referrals, Group Recreational Activities and a Mental Health First Aid Course.