A Portrait of Resilience

Honoring Stories. Healing Through Art.

This striking, larger-than-life image of a veteran is more than a photograph — it’s a powerful story captured in a single frame. Every line etched in the face, every shadow, every stare, tells a story of sacrifice, survival, and the journey of service that continues long after the battlefield. It invites us to look closer — to see the person beyond the uniform and hear the story beneath the silence.

This project is a collaboration between Platoon 22 and African Americans of Excellence (AAOE) — two organizations united by a shared commitment: to honor the stories of veterans, both those still with us and those we’ve tragically lost to war or suicide. Together, they work to shine light on lives too often overlooked, reminding us that behind every face is a name, and behind every name is a legacy worth remembering.

Every portrait in this series is a voice. A voice for healing, for remembrance, and for hope.

At the heart of this initiative is the belief that storytelling — especially through art — is one of the most powerful forms of healing. For veterans, creative expression can be a lifeline. Art opens the door to processing trauma, reclaiming identity, and finding purpose after service. It allows veterans to be seen not just as soldiers, but as whole individuals with depth, dignity, and dreams.

This is more than a visual project — it’s a living tribute. A movement to elevate veteran voices, foster community healing, and ensure that no story is forgotten.

Every face has a name. Every name has a story. And every story deserves to be told.

 

Featured Veteran Stories & Portraits

All Original Artwork by Artist: Yemi Fagbohun | Powered by

Melvin Hurwitz

1 S Market Street

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Every face has a name. Every name has a story. And every story deserves to be told. To learn more about Melvin’s story click here.

Sharon Jacko

154 N Market St

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Every face has a name. Every name has a story. And every story deserves to be told. To learn more about Sharon’s story click here.