1886th – deployed.

This morning I photographed the departure (to Iraq) of the 1886th medical Army Reserve unit. This started with a simple offer of family photographs to help both the soldiers & their families cope while apart. In the end, everyone involved agreed that they’d really like photos of their final goodbyes. What follows is a small collection from this morning.

Patrick Crader & his son Jackson watched airplanes (above) and shared a snack (below).

The next one is tied for favorite. If I had to say goodbye to Denny for a year, I’d want this photo of us so I could remember his hand on my knee and my head on his shoulder. This is Captain Britton & his girlfriend Kathy (both nurses!).

I admire these families so much. This kind sacrifice & hardship is something I’ve never known and they still step up and do the best they can with it. Incredible.

I love this one too… (BTW, this is Tina & Wayne, my couple).

Keith Sanders had several little ones to say goodbye to.

Then final goodbyes started, here are a couple…

Patrick saying goodbye to his wife Nikki. Nikki’s mom is holding their 4 month-old son (Cooper) in the background. This is my other favorite.

One of the last photos I shoot at a wedding is a hand-held shot of me with the bride & groom. I shot Tina & Wayne’s wedding (last fall) so today before we went into the airport I grabbed one more hand-held. Tina & Wayne; thanks for indulging me on this one, I can’t wait to shoot another when Wayne returns. And to the rest of the 1886th and all your families; thank you for letting me be a part of this – I am truly honored to create these photos for you all. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed making them. Stay safe and I look forward to your return – I’m counting the days. Best, ie

1886th

Today I photographed the deployment ceremony for the 1886th Neurosurgery Medical Team. This Army Reserve team is going to Iraq. I learned about their deployment through one of my bridal clients (he’s in the unit). Every time I hear about soldiers returning home injured (or worse) my first thought is always “I hope they got family photos before he / she left.” So when I heard Wayne was going to be deployed, I offered to photograph the deployment and family photos for all of the soldiers. Here are a few photos from the day. 

I like their Unit’s insignia.

Each solider was given an award. The colonial on the left is Colonel Wisdom – great last name.

And then we did family photos. Here are (really) just a few….

When the Captain of the Unit came in for his family photos, he brought me a certificate of appreciation because they give certificates to anybody who helps / supports the Unit. AYMK? I feel like I should give every soldier I meet a certificate of appreciation! I’ve never served in the military (and believe me, you don’t want me handling a gun) but I’ve always wanted to support soldiers in some way. I’m so happy I’ve found a meaningful way to do just that! And I hope to photograph other deployments from this area in the future. Thanks to 2Lt. Janell Averbeck for allowing me to photograph the event. And HUGE thanks to Diversified Lab (www.divlab.com) for printing this order so quickly AND donating the prints. The soldiers will be deployed for 9 – 18 months, please pray for them and their families. Best, ie