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