HLN

November 8th, 2012

108 Hours: A Father’s Journey to Iraq airs Veterans Day on HLN

 Sunday Night HLN Primetime Special documents a military father’s daring journey to Iraq

On Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11, at 8 p.m. (ET), HLN airs a special “Stories of Courage” 108 Hours: A Father’s Journey to Iraq. The HLN documentary tells the story of a military father Robert Stokely and his quest to honor his son Michael, a member of the Georgia Army National Guard who was killed by an IED attack in Yusufiyah, Iraq in 2005. The documentary, presented with limited commercial interruption, traces Stokely’s emotional journey from the Georgia countryside to the deadly Sunni triangle to accomplish his dream to place a memorial stone at the exact spot where his son lost his life.

The centerpiece of the HLN documentary is Robert Stokely’s 108 hours on the ground in Iraq, where he makes a dangerous journey across the country that leads him to encounters with soldiers and civilians from both Iraq and the US. Stokely’s unforgettable meeting with a grieving Iraqi father, whose son was also lost to the war’s violence, leaves him with a new perspective on Iraq and its people. The documentary paints a vivid portrait of Michael Stokely’s life, with moving reminiscences from his wife, family and friends. But it is Robert Stokely’s reflections on the bond he shared with his son that lifts 108 Hours: A Father’s Journey to Iraq.

“HLN reports the stories of military heroes and military families throughout the year. This particular story, from the perspective of a parent who lost a child in service to his country, was particularly remarkable. We wanted to make sure the story was presented with the time and care it deserved, so we are premiering it on Veterans Day in primetime, with limited commercial interruption,” said Scot Safon, general manager and executive vice president, HLN. In addition to the Sunday, November 11 premiere at 8p, HLN will present 108 Hours: A Father’s Journey to Iraq again on Monday night, November 12, in primetime at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. (all times Eastern).

HLN is the national television network that focuses on the “must-see, must-share” stories of the day. Drawing upon the network’s deep bench of talent, HLN dissects and demystifies the news stories and newsmakers people are talking about.

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Contact:

Carolyn Disbrow New York Carolyn.disbrow@cnn.com 212/275-7901

Alison Rudnick New York Alison.rudnick@cnn.com 212/275-7987

Karen Reynolds New York karen.reynolds@cnn.com 212/275-8253

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