The Run

While the paper mainly uses my photographs, back in April they asked for my write-up and photos from the Houston Run for the Fallen. The article didn't run until Memorial Day, which was actually quite fitting really. I thought I would post the link here for each of you to read.

http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/courier/news/article_b6c9a185-9d78-5b78-8ca5-31fb6e3872db.html

Much of the reason that my photography focuses on the military, veterans, service members and their families is because for most of America in general, it is easy to take for granted the real cost of protecting our freedoms. Unless you have or are in the military or come from a military family it's not in the forefront of our daily lives. I think it's important that we are aware of just what it takes to serve, the stress it causes for a family and unfortunately sometimes the ultimate sacrifice, and the families left behind.

The Run for the Fallen event is quite moving and humbling and in my opinion brings to light the "realness" of the fact that people die in war. Unlike the violent video games that have immersed our society and minds of young children, war is real and those that die are real. They are not just a blip in the paper, or a Hollywood persona or animated video game. They were living, breathing, men and women who loved, laughed, cried, had families and friends. When you see the pictures of their faces and meet their families it makes it very, very real.

A lot of people ask me why I do what I do and it really comes down to this: I'm very aware on a daily basis that when I walk out my front door, I do so on the blood and sacrifice that someone else paid for the past 200 years. A sacrifice that I didn't have to pay. I can walk out my front door and not fear tyrants and terrorists, I can go where I want and do what I want.... I am free. It is my hope my generation all the way down to the youngest current generation, will be made aware of what it took to secure freedom and what it takes to stay free. I really feel that the veterans stories will save these generations from apathy.

I took 100's of photos at the Run which can be viewed here (click on the 2011 Run galleries)

http://www.keeping-history-alive.com/Military/Honoring-the-Fallen

But the pictures I loved most were these two.

Most everyone who shows up to run or walk for a loved one killed in the line of duty, is wearing running clothes. But these two young men were wearing their gear and I felt that the American flag on their back was so symbolic of the responsibility they carried. The young man in the Cavalry hat is Allan. He served two tours to Iraq. I wrote about him in the article. This particular day was the 7th anniversary of the deaths of 3 of his best friends, whom he called "brothers." They served in the same unit and Allan then had to continue the mission and root out those that killed his comrades. It made me realize that you never know what burden a person might be carrying with them. The other young man, Allan's friend, is also a Iraq War veteran with two Bronze stars. When I think of Bronze stars I think of WWII veterans, but am quickly reminded that they were young too when they went to war. If you know anything about the military, you will know that being awarded a Bronze star does not come easy. Just for a moment I was a bit somber thinking about what he might have experienced to be awarded not one but two.

Another thing to note about these pictures is the fact that both Allan and his friend were the last one's walking. I know he must have had a specific goal and even after most of the track was clear, they could still be found walking. I just happened to be at the right place at the right time to capture them passing one of the signs that read "Freedom isn't Free."