STARRS to host Colorado Springs screening of Duty to Disobey on June 30

STARRS will hold a Colorado Springs premiere of Duty to Disobey on Tuesday, June 30, followed by a live panel and audience Q&A at AMC Chapel Hills 13. The event centers on the Pentagon’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate and its impact on servicemembers, with tickets sold only online before the screening.

Why it matters: - The Colorado Springs event is aimed at military members, veterans, families and the public in one of the nation’s largest military communities. - The screening focuses on the Department of Defense COVID-19 vaccine mandate and its legal, medical and personal consequences for servicemembers. - STARRS is using the event to extend its advocacy message from the screen to a live public discussion.

What happened: - STARRS is inviting the public to the Colorado Springs premiere of Duty to Disobey on Tuesday, June 30. - The film will begin at 7 p.m. at AMC Chapel Hills 13, 1710 Briargate Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80920. - A live STARRS panel discussion and audience Q&A will follow immediately after the film. - The invited public must buy tickets online at the film site before the event. - Tickets are not available through AMC, and the film hosts will not accept cash.

The details: - The documentary examines the impact of the Department of Defense’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate on U.S. servicemembers. - The film explores the legal, medical and personal consequences experienced by thousands of military personnel. - Panelists will discuss STARRS’ mission, recent advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and at the Pentagon, and their views on the documentary. - Audience members will be able to ask questions directly to STARRS leadership. - Pam Long is hosting the Colorado Springs screening. - Long is director of the Children’s Health Defense Military Chapter, a West Point graduate and an Army veteran of the Medical Service Corps. - Long also served as a medical intelligence officer for NATO Stabilization Forces. - Retired Col. Ron Scott, USAF, president and CEO of STARRS, said Colorado Springs is an especially important place for veterans, active-duty personnel and citizens to learn about this chapter in military history.

Between the lines: - STARRS is pairing the documentary with live remarks to turn a film screening into an advocacy event. - The organization is also amplifying the issue by linking the Colorado Springs premiere to a congressional screening in Washington, D.C., earlier this month hosted by Sen. Ron Johnson. - That Washington screening included STARRS Chairman of the Board Maj. Gen. Bentley Rayburn, USAF (Ret.); Vice Chairman Brig. Gen. Mick Zais, USA (Ret.); and Executive Vice President and General Counsel Mike Rose, JD/MBA. - Rose called the film an educational resource for the public and said it addresses the history of anthrax and COVID vaccines, alleged illegalities, harms to service members and remedies sought and given. - Tickets are selling quickly for screenings across the country, according to organizers.

What's next: - Organizers are urging attendees to buy tickets in advance and stay after the film for the live discussion. - Media attending the Colorado Springs event will be provided available seats. - STARRS says it will continue its public policy engagement, education and outreach for service members, veterans and military families.

The bottom line: - The June 30 screening is both a film premiere and a public-facing push by STARRS to keep attention on the fallout from the military’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.