People often wonder why news journalists decide to accompany military forces on the battle fields. While capturing that front page or award-winning photo, it’s also a chance one may lose their own life – which at least 22 have done in the last few years.  As of June 4, 2014, the U.S. military has suffered 2,322 deaths from fighting in Afghanistan, 1819 KIA (killed in action), and 19,794 WIA (wounded in action).

Although films about war from decades ago were fiction that re-created war action, today filmmakers are bolder. With the blessings of the military, they actually take their cameras into action to follow our troops. The real-life images are hard to watch, but they tell us the stories behind those flag-draped coffins or wounded warriors returning home.

One such film is The Hornet’s Nest, a documentary directed by Christian Tureaud and David Salzberg. The focus of the film centers on Mike Boettcher, a TV correspondent who has covered numerous war zones for more than three decades.

As usual, Boettcher’s dedication to his job resulted in sacrifices for him and his family. He wanted a way to explain to his son Carlos, now an adult, as to why he missed birthdays, graduation and important family holidays. That’s when Boettcher decided to bring Carlos with him on a 2011 job in the Kunar Province, a mountainous region in eastern Afghanistan. This was a risky decision since they would both be filming and imbedded with the 101st Airborne.

Dad was used to seeing horror, moving with the speed of lightning, and being thankful to wake up the next morning. For Carlos, the beginning was intense. For every step on every road there was always the danger they could be blown up by IEDs or suicide bombers. There have been more than 7000 deaths contributed to IUDs and 2001 to suicide bombers.

As the soldiers and reporters climb up, down and around rocky terrain, they receive gun fire and give it back. At times they are in so much danger they have to call in the fighter jets to cover them. Slowly, Carlos becomes braver and settles in listening to his father’s filming ideas.

When a young Afghani boy gets seriously injured during a roadside bombing, the 101st jumps into action, doing everything they can to get the boy on a helicopter and to a treatment center. One of the most daring missions takes place when the troops undertake Operation Strong Eagle III (their code name). They march over the Khost-Gardez Pass – also called The Death Pass – the primary route between Khost province, Gardez in Paktya, and the rest of Afghanistan. Their main target involves securing a Taliban stronghold in a remote Kunar valley.

Amazingly, both Boettchers are there catching all the coverage as the battle rages on for nine days. It’s a furious fight with losses on both sides, especially for the Americans. The medical helicopters can’t get in because of the dangerous fire-fights, or they are shot down trying. But this madness doesn’t stop them. For example, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Lutsky’s men say that despite his rank, he is always there in the fight beside them.

At one point, the 130 degree temperature, constant movement and carrying 80 lbs. of equipment, takes its toll on Mike Boettcher, so he sends Carlos on with a detail. Then he faces his own camera, expressing his worry about Carlos making it back alive as well as his concern regarding whether or not he did the right thing in bringing him along.

Mike and Carlos Boettcher, father-and-son correspondents who were there providing Peabody and Emmy-winning coverage of the war for ABC News, did an incredible service for our troops and for our country. They allowed us to see the courage and selflessness of those we send into harm’s way. Often standing in the middle of live action, these men performed as if they were soldiers themselves.

The impressive level of the cinematography here out shines many major films today. It actually makes viewers feel they are there in the moment. Some footage included additional images from soldiers carrying GoPro cameras plus an incredible video of fierce battles shot by Taliban fighters on their cellphones.

Time and time again this documentary details what it says: “These men are not there for the horrors of terror but for their buddies.” This is apparent when a medic is shot but continues to tell his comrades how to treat other injured buddies – and then apologizes right before he dies. One of his wounded comrades said, “I could see in his eyes he was not going to let me die.”

The coverage of a ceremony on foreign soil for those who made that ultimate sacrifice had their comrades in tears. This footage comes across as especially illuminating. It reveals that, at heart,  these are just good old boys from the farms and cities who will forever stand tall.

Although viewing this documentary may require tissues, it’s one of the most engaging and heart-felt documentaries about war I have ever seen. It needs to be right on top of your “to see” list.

(Released by Freestyle Releasing and rated “R” for language throughout.)

Review also posted at www.reviewexpress.com.