An Art Show, by Veterans Armed With Cameras

These incredible photos tell me more than anything I ever read about what veterans have to carry around with them for the rest of their lives. It should be a traveling show to VAs all over the country.

Knowing the people behind this, I had pretty high expectations. Well, I am blown away. I expected a lot, but this is so much more. I agree with many of the comments that this needs to be seen and redone, many times, everywhere.

This article shows us how beautifully we vets can work through our pain of military service. I was a photographer in the Naval Air Force, P2V Neptune Patrol Bomber/Recon planes, and an Intelligence Analyst. Other than my official work, I photographed other squadron activities. I loved getting shots that showed the resistance and humor by other vets. Especially when everyone had to fall into a formal parade squad for the Captain to speak to all. Many of my friends would make funny faces, or give me the finger for fun. I then printed the photos and put them up on walls for all to see, and laugh at their friends. Even some of the hardass officers enjoyed these prints.

Another veterans art exhibit, this one in Providence Rhode Island through nov. 15. https://www.riphotocenter.org/journeys-onward-exhibition/?fbclid=IwAR2UlViF31HXdrT8cnvcTBWk2ZMXp3GyLsSu_PX0X0T73-CuUJbrdmwHDbI

I may just drive to Buffalo to see this.

I was very taken by the images of my fellow veterans. Fortunately for me, as a Navy photographer for two years, instead of participating in the Vietnalm war, I was assigned to the "continent of peace", Antarctica. I worked with fellow servicemen and scientists. Some of whom had served in the war. Those were the best helicopter pilots to fly with. My eternal thanks to the vets that did not share my good fortune. God speed your recovery and better times for you.

Why don't we give our veterans and the Veterans Administration more support?

A workshop this therapeautic should immediately be funded by the VA and rolled out nationally and any company whose employees glibly chirp “Thank you for your service” at the end of each phone call” should read this article and view these photos. That phrase will take on much more meaning.

Deeply moved. I hope all Americans find a way to honor and respect the brave men and women who are stepping up to the microphone in public, beginning this Wednesday. It is tragic that they have already given parts of their lives to defend and uphold the constitution. With Purple Hearts pinned, they are now enduring slander by this administration and a 5 time draft dodger in order to defend and protect this country.

Tender tormenting images, you guys. Impressive work.

My father and uncles were on opposite sides during the war. My father very rarely spoke about the war. He spoke at length only once, when he wanted his grandchildren to have some insight that went beyond history books. My uncles never spoke of the war at all, they just went to Regimental reunions. Some years ago, I wrote this: https://kirkwood40.blogspot.com/2014/11/remembrance-day.html

This is a must see show. The images are beautiful in their honesty, their ability to show such powerful emotion. Art can be healing and this collection of photos is dramatic proof. Tears immediately began to swell. I am not only grateful to witness these powerful images but would think many many more people would want to see them. I traveling show, and as others have mentioned possibly a book. We read about the struggles of PTSD but nothing says it more explicitly than a picture. Thank you for sharing these images. It takes courage to reveal yourself in a self portrait

A wonderful article. Thank you for this coverage.

These are bound to be powerful since nobody can replicate the feelings of being in a war zone without being there. We can try to imagine, but that's all. Until we live that terror, horror, a sense of mission and self-preservation that must push them in all different directions and put them in a torture chamber we cannot claim we understand them. The art show will present some reflection of this kind of mindset. It must be a powerful experience to see them.

My mother told me that my father would wake up in the middle of the night, trembling. This was 50 years after the war.

Thank you for sharing this. I am so moved by the images and comments of our veterans.

As an artist and teacher, I know art is healing and I am so glad these veterans were able to participate in such a program. The work is stunning, raw, and personal! I hope they can continue to make images for themselves and others to understand the pain of PTSD. My father was one of the WWII vets shot down over Germany who never spoke of the War as we were growing up.

I am blown away by the emotional impact of each of these photographs. I hope this show travels to more locations. The artists have a powerful message, and more of us need to hear it.

This is the most powerful expression of PTSD I’ve ever seen, and a testament to the healing power of art. I hope that these extraordinary photographs will be exhibited throughout the USA and world.

These photos are so emotionally vulnerable and open that although I have never experienced anything like their's I had a gut level response to them. I hope this will be a traveling show and put into a book. It needs to be seen by everyone. Our returning service people need many levels of support and this is certainly an amazingly powerful one. Ms. Harris, I have an idea for a follow up story. How would I be in touch with you? Thank you.

These are truly amazing works. They have expressed more to me about the experience of war than any narrative could.

A larger venue and an expansion of the program! My heart is aching as I view these images.

What powerful and accomplished images! They are so evocative and complex. The exhibition deserves wider venue. there is also a book here.