Why Can't We Serve?

Marty Klein was deeply disturbed when he learned that 22 veterans commit suicide each day. That’s why the 70-year-old blind veteran from Woodstock, N.Y., decided to do something about it. He took a leap of faith by writing and producing a documentary called “Why Can’t We Serve,” a powerful, 52-minute film promoting the inclusion of disabled soldiers in non-combat roles in the military. Klein, a Brooklyn native and former Florida resident, lost his vision to a rare eye disease while serving in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam. He has added film making to his long list of accomplishments. Klein is the author of three books, a workshop leader and yoga enthusiast. In addition, he founded the Disabled Social Hour (DASH), a monthly gathering for people with disabilities in Tallahassee, in 1996 as well as Southern Springs, a holistic Tallahassee-based learning center in 1998. He also is a talented musician, who does lead vocals on the film’s theme song, “A Veteran’s Anthem.” Klein will be available after the movie for a Q-and-A session. All proceeds from ticket sales will go toward further distribution and screenings of the documentary.