In honor of Veterans Day and National Military Appreciation Month, Big Blend Radio's "Way Back When" History segment welcomes acclaimed documentary filmmaker Michael Pack to discuss his powerful Iraq War film, "The Last 600 Meters: The Battles of Najaf and Fallujah" airing November 10, 2025, on PBS nationwide.
This documentary chronicles the two deadliest battles of the Iraq War—Najaf against the Shiite Mahdi militia and Fallujah against Sunni insurgents—told entirely through the raw, firsthand testimony of the Marines and soldiers who fought there. Pack explains his choice to remove narration, allowing the veterans to deliver the "ground truth" of urban combat, dramatic moments like the "Hell House" rescue, and the personal cost of war.
The conversation delves into the brutal realities, the significant theme of PTSD, and how decisions made in Washington ripple down to those delivering the final 600 meters of foreign policy. Tune in to better understand modern warfare and the enduring importance of honoring the sacrifices and complexities of our veterans' experiences.
Watch "The Last 600 Meters" on PBS on November 10, 2025, stream it on the PBS app, and catch it later on Amazon and other platforms. Learn more: https://manifoldproductions.com/films/the-last-600-meters/
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