American Heroes Channel (AHC) has teamed up with AARP on a unique collaboration, kicking off this Veterans Day with the premiere of the all-new special, THE BATTLE I’LL NEVER FORGET. Produced exclusively for AHC by AARP Studios, THE BATTLE I’LL NEVER FORGET examines some of the most critical conflicts in American history, told first-hand by the heroes who fought on the ground, in the sky, and on the seas. Anchoring AHC’s annual DUTY, HONOR, COURAGE programming marathon dedicated to our veterans, THE BATTLE I’LL NEVER FORGET makes its world premiere Friday, November 11 at 10/9c, only on AHC.
“AHC is proud to collaborate with AARP to showcase some of history’s greatest stories through these incredibly personal accounts,” said Kevin Bennett, general manager, American Heroes Channel. “Beginning with THE BATTLE I’LL NEVER FORGET, we are excited to work together to share these remarkable accounts of service and selflessness with AHC viewers and AARP members alike in the future.”
“AARP’s collaboration with AHC is a testament to our continued support and admiration for our nation’s heroes,” said Myrna Blyth, Senior Vice President and Editorial Director, AARP Media. “From our advocacy efforts to our caregiving resources and other benefits, AARP is addressing the challenges confronting our nation’s heroes and their families.”
THE BATTLE I’LL NEVER FORGET follows the stories of three US veterans as they describe a pivotal battle in which they fought. Featuring military engagements ranging from World War II to Vietnam to Iraq, each story is told through first-person accounts from the veterans, along with historical, expert commentary and real, archival footage directly from the battlefields.
Veteran stories featured throughout the special are as follows:
Philip Hollywood – US Navy
Philip Hollywood recalls his time aboard the USS Melvin during the Battle of Surigao Strait, the largest naval battle of World War II.
Col. Tony Nadal – US Army
Col. Tony Nadal recounts the Battle of The Ia Drang Valley, the first major battle between the US and North Vietnamese Army.
Garry Villalobos – US Army
Tank commander and Silver Star recipient Gary Villalobos tells of sacrifices made to clear a town of insurgents in the Battle of Tal Afar in 2005.
Committed to providing our audience with a 360-degree experience, AHC and AARP will supplement THE BATTLE I’LL NEVER FORGET with multiple digital and on-air content extensions in advance of Veteran’s Day. Shared content across the two brands includes exclusive video clips; trivia quizzes; photo galleries showcasing never-before-seen and rare photos; and additional interactive elements available on AHC and AARP’s digital and social platforms.
THE BATTLE I’LL NEVER FORGET is produced for American Heroes Channel by AARP Studios with Jeffrey Eagle as executive producer. For American Heroes Channel, Max Culhane is executive producer, Sara Kozak is senior vice president of production, Kevin Bennett is general manager, and Henry Schleiff is Group President of Investigation Discovery, American Heroes Channel, and Destination America