Premiere Date: November 11, 2009
Synopsis
On call 24 hours a day for the past five years, a group of senior citizens has made history by greeting over 900,000 American troops at a tiny airport in Bangor, Maine. The Way We Get By is an intimate look at three of these greeters as they confront the universal losses that come with aging and rediscover their reason for living. Bill Knight, Jerry Mundy and Joan Gaudet find the strength to overcome their personal battles and transform their lives through service. This inspirational and surprising story shatters the stereotypes of today's senior citizens as the greeters redefine the meaning of community. A co-production of Dungby Productions and ITVS in association with WGBH and Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN) with funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
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Filmmaker
It's really a personal story not a political one. That goes for the greeters themselves as well. They have different views on the war, but their main goal is to support the troops.”
— Aron Gaudet, Filmmaker
View the Film
Critical Acclaim
The Way We Get By is about three people, not about military or political combat. It strikes a deep, rich vein of emotion that flows through America's elderly, and it should be required viewing for those who think they know exactly what America is about. . . . The Way We Get By is as much art as it is documentary.”
— Dan Zak,
Washington Post
The Way We Get By is an Iraq War documentary, albeit in the loosest sense ... a lovely, uncondescending look at three lives enriched by kindness.”
— Eugene Novikov,
Cinematical
The dignity and integrity of these people will stir even the coldest heart.”
— Robyn Hillman-Harrigan,
The Huffington Post
[P]layed out against a backdrop of small acts of generosity and empathy, and small, fleeting dramas at Bangor's airport ... it's about the universal struggles of growing old.”
— Linda Matchan,
The Boston Globe
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Reviews & Reactions
Average Review
| based on 28 reviews
Great Film. Great Story. Just Great!
You should defiantly check out this amazing documentary. I got to see a screening of it when it was at the Boston Film Festival earlier this year and was blown away! The filmmakers do a fantastic job of telling the story. Another great aspect of the film is that no matter what you think of the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan or what you think about our last president, you can enjoy this film because it does not contain partisan politics or anti/pro war commentary. It is purely a piece about 3 Americans doing whatever they can to support the men and women serving our country overseas during this time of war.
by Sean
June 10, 2009, 11:59 AM
Cool Blog Post about The Way We Get By
This link comes from a post about the film on the "Let's Do Small Things With Great Love" Blog.
"I often wonder if I'm doing enough to thank the troops and to show them how grateful I am for their support. But it always stops there. I realized that I've never thought about the lives of others who reach out and support the troops. Lord knows I've met countless others who do.
This documentary will cause you to pause and think about things like that. Among many other things..."
Read more...
by Theresa Riley
July 9, 2009, 5:12 PM
Can't wait to see the whole film on PBS...
Made me cry just watching the trailer!
by Ruth
August 21, 2009, 11:20 AM
Eager to see this film
I am eager to see this film. Recently, I was flying back and forth from Atlanta to Dayton and had the honor of encountering several of our men and women in uniform. To each I could get to, I reached out a hand and gave a word of thanks. Every single one reacted with surprise and gratitude. I wish more people would take the time to simply say thanks for these brave Americans who risk their lives for us every day. It takes so little time but means so much.
by T. Rylands
August 22, 2009, 9:06 PM
Inspirational Film
"THE WAY WE GET BY" is incredibly moving. I was drawn in to the lives of these three volunteers immediately and wanted to know more after the film finished! This film showcases the power of volunteerism and all of the benefits that come from giving back. I strongly recommend it for people of all ages - this film is powerful and has the potential to change perspectives.
by Leigh Harper
August 28, 2009, 1:45 PM
Stirring documentary
I had the chance to see this in Brooklyn over the summer, and I highly recommend it. What the troop greeters do is wonderful, but getting to know them and their motivations is the most moving part about this film.
by Anna from University Park, PA
September 22, 2009, 11:25 PM
The Way We Get By
I thank that film maker so much for showing this story. It is so moving and I can not wait to watch it. To show that there are those of who when we say we support the troops it is not jsut words, but actions. This looks like a beautiful moving film of what one human can do for another to make them feel special. I am grateful to these 3 who do this because they want to not for the fame or anything else. IT shows that we are still a great country . Thank you.
by Connie from Austin, TX
September 30, 2009, 12:28 PM
Corporal
I met these wonderful people when I returned from deployment in Iraq. I just went to see the film at a local theater here in Oceanside,CA and I cried all the way home. I can't say enough about this film except that it should be mandatory for all to watch.
by Tegan from Oceanside/Wittenberg, California/Wisconsin
October 10, 2009, 12:55 AM
Angels
These people are angels. No other way to describe them.
by Peggy from Havre, MT
October 21, 2009, 8:55 PM
SFC
I love the trailer and I can't wait to see it in full ontv.I think it is one of the most caring things anyone can do to show their support and love for the soldiers or for their fellow humanbeing.They are like the "USO" in which I participated in a "Bikers ride for the USO" and all the funds went to them.Maybe somebody could organize some kind of fund raiser for them to help them in appreciation for their selfless service.
by Peter L Morris from AcWorth, Georgia
October 26, 2009, 7:44 AM
They are just three of the people that have been called "THE GREATEST GENERATION" and they just keep on proving that they have earned that title! I am only sixty years young and am so proud to have lived among these AMERICANS! When will the rest of the country learn it is about giving and not taking!
by Thomas J. Byrne from Putnam Valley, New York
October 30, 2009, 11:28 AM
I have had the pleasure of meeting, working and living with many centurians as well as the senior community in general, I cannot tell you how many times I have filled in for family and friends, what began as a job quickly became part of my life and then part of my family. I treasure every moment spent, laughing, eating, walking, reading, and most importantly listening, listening to their souls, appreciating the knowledge and the school of living life.
Cats in the Cradle-Harry Chapin
Let us all remember that.
Can't wait to see the whole film.
by kimberly stanley from rochester hills, michigan
October 30, 2009, 8:12 PM
Thank God for the true AMERICANS! May God Bless Us All! Thank you!
by Marine Wife, Navy Mom Ms.
November 1, 2009, 1:56 PM
I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THIS!!!
I'm so happy it will be on TV b/c it wasn't showing anywhere near me! I cried just watching the trailer too!!! This looks like an amazing movie & I cannot wait to see it!!!
by Emily from Long Island, NY
November 2, 2009, 5:13 PM
The Way We Get By
Make's Me Proud to be an American and to know we have Good People out there like this God Bless Them and all our Troops.
by Robert D Wyatt/Cando2 from Hyde Park , New York
November 3, 2009, 11:23 AM
What They Really Do
Being one of the lucky soldiers who met some of these volunteers on my way to Iraq in October 2004, I will always have a special place in my heart for them. We were individual replacement soldiers, going over to a combat zone to be placed in units that needed us... we didn't know the soldiers we would serve with and several of us were volunteers who recently completed reclassification training to drive trucks instead of the jobs we knew from previous years of military service. We were a proud bunch, and we were excited and scared at the same time.
The volunteers who met us at the Bangor Airport were the last faces we saw on American soil. Initially, we didn't think anything of it. We were happy just to be off the plane after flying all evening from Fort Bliss, Texas. But, shortly after getting back on that plane knowing that this may have been the last impression of America we would have, several of us had tears in our eyes and smiles on our faces. The volunteers at the Bangor Airport made our last few hours in America something to remember.
So, for me, I can honestly say that the memory of that night has never left my side. Through losing a friend in combat and another to suicide I still smile and get a little choked up when I think of those final hours in America.
by Skip Spoerke from Abington, Massachusetts
November 3, 2009, 2:53 PM
Thank YOU to those 3 angels
I was given tickets to attend this movie, of which I had not heard. My son left for Afghanistan in JUNE and because of these people I got to see him one last time before leaving. As a mom it touched my heart. I say THANK YOU to them. He will be coming home soon and I live in MAINE so I hope to meet them as they greet him & all the other brave men & women home, so I can personally thank them. I cried just watching the preview, but I can't wait to see the whole movie. Im sorry to ramble on, but Thank You to all you people who cared enough and took the time & money to create this movie.
by Marine mom from Gray , ME
November 4, 2009, 4:57 PM
Do not miss this one !!
I was lucky enough to see this brilliant movie in Mobile recently, and to meet Aron and Gita. The 'angels' featured are just as heroic as our brave troops. They put their own problems aside, and think only of being there to meet and greet our brave men and women....no matter what hour of the day or night. Bless them and all the other 'greeters' ... and bless Aron and Gita for bringing this wonderful story to us.
by Jo Owen from Fairhope, Al
November 4, 2009, 10:22 PM
must see
I'm honored to say that I have been graced by these fine people in 2004 after a year long deployment. I was touched and at the same time shocked to see these strangers lending out their hearts, and their emotions as they were as excited to greet us as us to be greeted. I will never forget them. They not only took a year long deployment of hard times and tough sacrifice in to perspective; they also allowed us to realize that we return to be greeted by love. Thank you all for being there.
by JAMIE from austin, tx
November 4, 2009, 11:44 PM
I loved this film!
by Jessica Lee from New York, NY
November 5, 2009, 10:35 AM
Retired Grandmother
God Bless each and everyone of those precious young men and women
who serve our Country.
Many Thanks to all of those wonderful VOLUNTEERS WHO SHOW UP ANY HOUR OF THE DAY OR NIGHT TO to greet these Wonderful young
people.
by Phyllis Jones from amarillo, texas
November 6, 2009, 11:49 AM
Dad of a Marine
My wife and I were both in tears viewing the trailer and the interview. We will certainly be watching on Veterans Day. Our son will most likely meet these wonderful folk in just a few weeks on his way back from Afghanistan. Thank you for your efforts in bringing this heart warming story to us all. God Bless.
by Ernie williams from Shreveport, LA
November 7, 2009, 10:47 PM
What a wonderful story!!
This was truly one of the most inspiring films I have ever seen. These three people are truly angels and I admire their dedication to the troops and to making sure our troops know they are appreciated. It brought tears to my eyes to see the selflessness and dedication they have to brightening someone else's day, despite what hardships they may have in their own personal lives. I hope this story touches others as it has me. God bless our troops, and a big thank you to the Maine Troop Greeters.
by Lisa from Salem, MA
November 8, 2009, 8:56 PM
Administrative Asst
Very touching - these persons should be awarded a medal.
by Anna Minjarez from Odessa, TX
November 9, 2009, 10:06 AM
I watched your documentary last night on POV on PBS in Boston and was overwhelmed about these great Americans who do this wonderful and loving service for our out-going and homecoming troops. I would like to hear how Joan's two grandchildren have made out over there.
by Steve from Canton, MA
November 9, 2009, 1:52 PM
The Way We Get By
Words cannot express the depth to which I was moved by this film. I had three brothers that served during the Viet Nam era and my heart broke again remember all those vets that did not receive any welcomes on their return at that time. I'd like to think we as a nation finally realized how important it is to let the troops know how much they and their service mean to us. God Bless the wonderful people in and around Bangor that have continued their show of love and support to all the troops as they come and go - I for one wish that I could be among that group if it were possible. Bill, Joan and Jerry - you are truly angels and the significance of what you do is immeasurable. Thank YOU for YOUR service on behalf of our troops and allowing us to see a glimpse into your lives. My grandmother always taught me to "Never Forget The Vets"....I try to do my little part but I am so thankful for Bill, Joan and Jerry of Maine that can be there when I can't.
by Mora Leahy from Melrose, MA
November 9, 2009, 6:23 PM
Military thanks you
I've seen these guys having gone through Bangor twice from a deployment, (coming in at 2am once) and they are always there, happy to meet you, shake your hand, and ask you how your trip was, lined up and smiling at you as soon as you come through the terminal doors. It's really just the absolute nicest and most comforting thing in the world to walk into a room like that of faces and hugs after time overseas -- We can't say thank you enough for all that love, service, and support:)
by Leslie from Foster City, CA
November 9, 2009, 8:47 PM
Thank you
Our son and his battalion experienced the hospitality of these fine people in Bangor during their Afghanistan deployment. As parents of a Marine, I cannot tell you how grateful my husband and I were for the warm welcome our son received there. Not only was he hugged and greeted--we felt like we had been, too, because people showed they cared about these guys in the middle of the night. We couldn't be there, but they were there in our stead. It is truly wonderful for the troops and their families. Words are not enough, but thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
by Marine Mom from Tallahassee, FL
November 9, 2009, 10:07 PM