
Every day, over 45 veterans take their own lives, highlighting the urgent need for mental health awareness and effective suicide prevention programs. Additionally, within four months of returning home from war, 30% of soldiers develop mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive veteran support.


We at IN COUNTRY: THE BATTLE AT HOME are searching for story content to enhance our film documentary and weekly podcasts launching in the summer of 2026. We are particularly interested in narratives that highlight mental health awareness, suicide prevention programs, and veteran support. Click on the link below to contact us and inquire about how to submit your story.

Our veterans face daily struggles such as joblessness, homelessness, substance abuse, and critical mental health issues like PTSD and TBI. In Country's multi-media initiative, which includes a 90-minute film documentary, a weekly podcast, and an unprecedented Vet-A-Thon, we aim to raise awareness of this national epidemic unlike any other campaign. This initiative will foster strategic partnerships with community leaders, government agencies, corporate allies, Hollywood elites, and the American public, all while promoting mental health awareness and supporting suicide prevention programs. Our mission transcends the screen, transforming our project into a sustained national movement through innovative community-based educational programs and collaborations across our nation. Additionally, project producers are calling for a national march in every major city across America on Memorial Day 2026, co-organized with over 200 community-based organizations dedicated to life transformation and veteran support.

IN COUNTRY 'THE BATTLE AT HOME'
CREATOR/PRODUCER/DIRECTOR
Manny Monterrey is an acclaimed author and producer with a distinguished track record in socially impactful media, particularly in the realm of mental health awareness and veteran support. He is the visionary creator behind Americanos: Latino Life in the United States (2000), a groundbreaking multimedia initiative supported by TIME-WARNER. This landmark project included an HBO award-winning documentary (Sundance Best Cinematography), a best-selling book published by Little, Brown and Company, a Smithsonian-curated photo exhibition, and a Kennedy Center concert broadcast on PBS.
In 2007, Monterrey secured a multi-million-dollar deal with A&E Television for Act of Honor, which premiered in 2010 on the History Channel. Though both Americanos and Act of Honor were created for English-speaking audiences, their success launched HBO En Español and History Channel En Español—an industry first unmatched by any other producer.
For the past 15 years, Monterrey has devoted his career to veteran advocacy and suicide prevention programs. His unwavering commitment to veteran support has earned recognition from the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Senate, two former Presidents, leading veterans’ organizations, and his peers across the entertainment industry.

IN COUNTRY 'THE BATTLE AT HOME' PRODUCER Fernando Cubillas is a seasoned film and television professional known for his contributions to iconic productions such as Predator 2, Fletch Lives, The Last Boy Scout, and Selena, among many others. In addition to his work behind the scenes as an actor and producer, he served as publicist to actor, producer, and community rights advocate Edward James Olmos. Cubillas also co-produced the acclaimed projects Americanos: Latino Life in the United States, A Color of Honor, and Act of Honor, bringing powerful cultural and historical narratives to national audiences. His career reflects a deep commitment to storytelling that inspires awareness, including mental health awareness, pride, and social change, while also addressing critical issues like suicide prevention programs and veteran support.

IN COUNTRY 'THE BATTLE AT HOME'
SENIOR VETERAN ADVISOR.
CO-CHAIRMAN
NATIONAL MARCH TO HELP END VETERAN SUICIDE.
Commissioned through the ROTC after obtaining his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Puerto Rico in 1982, COL Fernandez’s education includes a master’s degree in international relations (MSIR) from Troy University, as well as a Doctorate Candidate in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He is a graduate of the Engineer Officer Basic Course, Engineer Officer Advanced Course, CAS3, and the Command and General Staff College.
Upon returning from the Iraqi Theater of War, COL. Fernandez served as Corps Staff Engineer and 420th EN BDE Rear Detachment OIC, contributing significantly to veteran support initiatives. His extensive military career has enabled him to advocate for mental health awareness and the importance of suicide prevention programs for veterans.
COL Fernandez’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with an Oak Leaf cluster, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, four Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award with three Oak Leaf clusters, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal second award, the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon with a number 3 device, the Army Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with a 30-year device (Gold), and the Overseas Service Ribbon with a number 3 device. He was also awarded the Army Engineer Association Silver and Bronze Order of the DeFleury Medal.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.