This Is Not A Draft

A Documentary Film

This Is Not
A Draft

A Post 9/11 Story of Service, Sacrifice & Life After War

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About The Film

They Answered
The Call

When tragedy struck on September 11th, these Veterans chose to serve. This Is Not A Draft captures their stories — the sacrifices made, the battles fought far from home, and the lives they've built long after the war ended.

Inspired by the Veteran Stories Podcast, this documentary hopes that by sharing these stories, others will be inspired to serve in their own ways. Every story matters, and each person can make a difference.

🏆
2× Award Winner Chandler IFF · Hollywood Stage & Script

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"Every story matters.
Each person can make a difference."

This Is Not A Draft — A Documentary Film

Veterans & Cast

Their Stories

Post-9/11 veterans who chose to serve — and whose stories inspired this documentary.

Shawn Banzhaf

Sergeant First Class · US Army National Guard

Shawn Banzhaf

Bronze Star recipient. Served 21 years, executing 100 combat missions around Baghdad, Ramadi, and Fallujah.

Cheryl Rinehart

US Marine Corps Veteran

Cheryl Rinehart

Works in higher education after serving at the Department of Veterans Affairs, in HR policy and compliance.

Grant Ross

Sergeant First Class · US Army, Retired

Grant Ross

Healing leads to scars. Scars fade, but always remain. It has been an honor to tell my story.

Eric Staton

Sergeant First Class · US Army, Retired

Eric Staton

Working as a U.S. Contractor, making up for lost birthdays and holidays with family.

Melvin Cruz

Specialist · US Army

Melvin Cruz

101st Airborne, Operations Iraqi Freedom & Enduring Freedom. Devoted husband, father, and nonprofit volunteer.

Karen Cruz

Specialist · US Army

Karen Cruz

101st Airborne, Operation Iraqi Freedom. Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the VA supporting veterans and families.

Cris Gibson

Chief Petty Officer · US Navy

Cris Gibson

Continues to work with the US government on the mission to make the United States and the world a safer place.

Danny Pierce

Lieutenant Commander · US Navy

Danny Pierce

Associate at Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney. Co-owns Ale Tales Taproom in San Diego with his wife, Jes.

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22

Veterans Lost Per Day

9/11

The Day That Changed Everything

21+

YHars of Service & Sacrifice

Free

Free To Stream

Community Screenings

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Bring This Is Not A Draft to your community — a school, a church, a VFW hall, or a corporate event. Help us spark conversations about service, sacrifice, and what it means to come home.

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