Veteran... by Christopher Barker
On a day that’s hard to appreciate, or even swallow down, the definition of a Veteran seems unavoidably linked with an older generation. I don’t feel like a Vet. My grandfather is a Veteran, myself on the other hand, I feel as though I fall into an undefinable category. Generation X who has become “Generation Kill,” and subsequently slips right back into society, undetectable. The pain, fear and horror of what we’ve gone through is repressed, so that we can move fluidly back into this madness we call America, and continue our lives. The transition is impossible and just like generations before us, we will never fit it.
Self portrait. 1/30 sec. @ f2.8 with Nikon N90s on self-timed.
Mosul, Iraq
Circa 2006
Comments
I don’t have any words………………………….. but read enough to know what you’re saying !!!
No words needed. Thanks for looking.
– Christopher Barker
another great shot. love it
Thanks bluesheep, much appreciated.
– Christopher Barker
I am sorry.
I am sorry for what you had to see, hear and do.
I thank you.
I thank you for your service. sacrifice and sharing.
(Sharing: it can make a difference… (Yes it can.))
Thanks Marcella. And sharing I will do……….some day.
– Christopher Barker
Forgot to say thank you to your wife and family, as they have also sacrificed.
They will appreciate that, I assure you.
– Christopher Barker
Your photography already says it all.
I’m hearing you…..
I’m Australian, so don’t know what it’s like for you in the US, but i do know what it’s like to send my husband off to war in todays world. I really hope you find something that fits for you soon….
Sadly we have all too many in your position….
Thank you for your kind words and your perspective. Today’s fight is nothing like we’ve ever experienced. My thoughts go out to you and your husband.
– Christopher Barker
All’s good…. he’s home safe. Take care….
The plugs in the background add a dimension to this image…Like plugging back into society.
Hmm, I never thought about that aspect, but I like the correlation. Thanks Irma!
– Christopher Barker
I wish our government offered more in the way of support for soldiers trying to transition back to civilian life. I can not begin to imagine the horror of what veterans of war have experienced. Both of my brothers and my husband are veterans of the Desert Storm. They don’t talk about their experiences except in the vaguest of terms, but I’ve seen something going on behind their eyes . . . something painful. We can never thank our soldiers enough for their service, neither can we adequately compensate them for their pain — emotional as well as physical.
Thank you Helen. I to wish there was more to transition towards, but I am also honored by those who have served before me and I thank your family for their service as well!
– Christopher Barker
Great self portrait and potent reminder that veterans cross all ages groups.
Thanks docophoto. Don’t do many self-portraits because I hate being in front of the lens!
– Christopher Barker