Veterans Portrait Project
117 images Created 18 Nov 2009
While I’m known for my time as a combat photographer, it's the Veterans Portrait Project (VPP) where I now focus my lens. I began the VPP as I recovered from combat injuries sustained in Iraq. My military career was over, my body was broken and my spirit was crushed. I'd lost hope in my future, faith in myself and passion for life. While rehabilitating, I spent countless idle hours in VA waiting rooms surrounded by veterans from every generation and branch of service. They inspired me to pick up my camera again so that I could honor and thank them with the only gift I had worth giving, my photography. Since taking my first portrait in late 2008, I’ve conducted more than 160 portrait engagements, traveled to 90 cities in 32 states and captured over 7,500+ veterans' portraits. The last 11 years have been a journey of self-discovery and reinvention. I’ve not worried about my limitations, my physical pain or my seizures. I’ve simply focused on my goal of capturing veterans portraits in every state from which the Department of Defense recruits. THIS YEAR I WILL DO THAT!
The Veterans Portrait Project has been an emotionally cathartic, physically healing tool. I’d committed my life to my country and when I could no longer serve in uniform, the VPP became an extension of my service. My new mission in life is to share the unique stories of military veterans and honor their service in a unique, creative way. Each veteran receives a complimentary, high-resolution portrait they can share with friends and family. Their portraits and stories are also included in national printed exhibitions, showcased in video productions and shared via social media, thus ensuring their contributions to American military history are never lost.
The Veterans Portrait Project collection represents the over 22 million military veterans in the United States. They’re young and old, male and female. They come from all walks of life and have varied religious beliefs, levels of education and racial ethnicity. What unites them all is their service. It’s a bond that cannot be broken, and I’m proud to be one of them.
[All Veterans Portrait Project images are copyrighted and may not be used without written permission]
The Veterans Portrait Project has been an emotionally cathartic, physically healing tool. I’d committed my life to my country and when I could no longer serve in uniform, the VPP became an extension of my service. My new mission in life is to share the unique stories of military veterans and honor their service in a unique, creative way. Each veteran receives a complimentary, high-resolution portrait they can share with friends and family. Their portraits and stories are also included in national printed exhibitions, showcased in video productions and shared via social media, thus ensuring their contributions to American military history are never lost.
The Veterans Portrait Project collection represents the over 22 million military veterans in the United States. They’re young and old, male and female. They come from all walks of life and have varied religious beliefs, levels of education and racial ethnicity. What unites them all is their service. It’s a bond that cannot be broken, and I’m proud to be one of them.
[All Veterans Portrait Project images are copyrighted and may not be used without written permission]
