This movie was made in 2001. The main character was in the military 20 years ago, where his friend died (came home in a body bag).

However, there were no real American military actions occurring in 1981, or in the years preceding or succeeding then.

The only real U.S. military deaths even close to then were in 1983, in Beiruit and Grenada, and both were very small in number. Also, the guy actually left town 20 years ago, and was in the military before then. (although his friend may have stayed in 2-5 years, and died there.)

Someone else posted that the friend died in Vietnam. That could only work if the film was set in 1991, not 2001.

Odd.