TRAVERSE CITY — It was only five years ago when the U.S. Government made the final Civil War pension payment to the war’s last beneficiary. A new documentary looks behind the scenes and beyond our borders at the often decades-long and hidden military costs.
On Dec. 10, Northwestern Michigan College’s International Affairs Forum presents a free screening and panel discussion of the recently released film, “The True Cost of Defense.”
The documentary produced by Free to Choose Media for Public Television breaks down the nation’s $800 billion-plus annual defense budget to shed light on the deep dimensions of America’s military spending.
“It’s to make people understand the true cost is about people — it’s not the machines and missiles of war,” said Tom Skinner, a Suttons Bay resident and the film’s executive producer.
The film chronicles the story of a quadruple-amputee veteran, military recruiters, global partnerships, families based overseas and U.S. communities shaped by the nation’s defense commitments. Its focus links to concerns close to home, from veteran services to base-related environmental degradation.
Featured contributing expert voices include former Secretary of Defense General James Mattis, actor and veterans advocate Gary Sinise, the former State Department diplomat and NATO advisor Traverse City resident Jack Segal and others.
“The film does a great job connecting issues with local realities,” said IAF executive director Alex Tank. “The environmental, social and economic impacts locally found are worthy of exploring.”
Northern Michigan is not isolated from key military issues. Grand Traverse County is home to 4,562 veterans, according to 2023 Census data. The latest available report from Grand Traverse County Department of Veterans Affairs states the total compensation to county veterans in 2023 was $37 million.
Nearby Camp Grayling exemplifies the film’s examination of the financial mix found at some military bases. Camp Grayling is the largest National Guard Training Facility in the U.S. According to the Michigan House, the camp generates $49.5 million annually in local economic impact. But it has also generated environmental contamination problems for the surrounding community. In August, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (MI) secured $53.5 million to support PFAS remediation efforts at Camp Grayling. The State of Michigan will contribute $26.5 million for the project.
Jack Segal, Retired Consul General, offers his perspective on the controversial issue of military expenditures. He pointed out that U.S. military spending far exceeds that of Russia and China combined.
“Americans are told that we need more of everything,” he said. “There’s not a budget. It’s a shopping list.”
Segal hopes, when armed with facts, film audiences will better understand that taxpayer dollars could address more pressing needs. “We have lost track of what’s important to our defense,” he said. “It’s not just buying more.”
Segal joins the event panel discussion which also features U.S. Marine Corps Retired Major General Mike Lehnert and U.S. Army Retired Colonel Steve Briggs. A Q&A takes place following the film screening.
While the in-person only event is free, IAF recommends obtaining tickets at tciaf.com.
If You Go “The True Cost of Defense” Dec. 10, 2025 6:30 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. screening, 8 p.m. panel Dennos Museum Center Milliken Auditorium, Traverse City
“Americans are told that we need more of everything. There’s not a budget. It’s a shopping list.” Jack Segal, Retired Consul General