VOCES: American Sons

By Jennifer Robinson / Web Producer

Published January 9, 2026 at 12:02 PM PST

The men of India Battery; Cpl. Villarreal furthest to the right. From his Combat archive.

Premieres Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream with KPBS+

Meet a brotherhood of Marines as they struggle to overcome the trauma of combat in Afghanistan and the loss of many of their comrades, including their dear friend JV Villarreal.

In May 2010, the men of India Battery 3/12 deploy to Afghanistan’s Helmand Province. Through the eyes of Cpl. J.V. Villarreal and Cpl. Billy Branch, we witness the excitement of arrival and the powerful brotherhood of the unit — just before the harsh realities of combat, injury, and loss forever alter their lives.

Now, a decade after JV’s death, his brother Marines continue to reunite, helping each other cope with lingering wounds and strengthening the unbreakable bonds formed in war.

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At the India 3/12 reunion in Neihart, Montana, Cpl. Angel Rios and SSgt. Jorge Segura come together for the first time in years, reaffirming the bond forged in combat. Segura reflects on the day Rios was nearly killed and on the devastating impact the deployment had on their entire unit.

Nick Fry, Angel Rios, Raimen Horn, Gorge Serna, and Yolanda Villarreal at the San Fernando Cemetery for JV's 10th Memorial Anniversary.

Watch On Your Schedule: VOCES "American Sons" will be available to stream with KPBS+, a new free streaming video app designed for ease and enjoyment everywhere you watch including Roku, smart TVs and mobile devices. It’s locally curated for San Diego by the KPBS programming team. With a clean and intuitive design, discovering and enjoying KPBS and PBS content on-demand has never been easier.

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Each year, the men of India Battery 3/12 visit San Antonio to honor Cpl. J.V. Villarreal at his memorial alongside his mother and family. Marked by grief, love, and reflection, the annual gathering has become a profound tradition of healing, remembrance, and enduring brotherhood for a new, extended “family.”

VOCES: American Sons

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