A Trip Down Memory Lane...
I was running around taking pictures yesterday, when I bumped (literally) into an Air Force Reserve colonel I knew in Iraq. Who would have thought? Of all the towns and all of the people...
Colonel Greg Ratterree was one of the first Air Force officers to show me genuine care and concern after I was hurt in Baqubah, Iraq. When I was air evac'ed from Diyala to Balad Hospital, I was completely lost (in every sense of the word). For months, I saw heavy fighting with the Army - many firefights, ambushes, IED's, sleepless nights, WIA's and KIA's.
I had not expected to stay in Balad long. In fact, all I wanted to do was get my neck treated and go home to FOB Warhorse where I belonged. Balad was a strange place where they had laundromats and put-put golf. I really resented everyone there for being oblivious to the hard combat that was being fought not far away. I began to hate my Air Force brethren for being silly enough to complain about the lack of food variety (when I went days without meals) or the occasional nighttime rocket attack (when I was shelled every day around the clock). This resentment was further fueled when a not-so-people-orientated Air Force Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) told me, "Go to supply and get the proper Air Force battle dress uniform. You aren't authorized to wear the Army ACU here."
Umm... did I mention I was hurt, drugged and could hardly move my neck? The only uniform I had was the uniform on my back (my Army ACU). I was in utter shock and disbelief that the only thing this Lt. Col. was concerned about was which uniform I wore!
When the Air Force medical personnel informed me that my neck could not handle the weight of armor or helmet, I knew I'd never see Warhorse or my soldier friends again. I was heart broken and I felt useless. I was in "a holding pattern". I couldn't leave Balad until I was processed through the medical system and I couldn't go home to Warhorse. I was dead and Balad was my new HELL.
I lived in a smoldering trailer, which was twice the size of my old one and I didn't have to share it with two other people. The down side was I had no one... no books, no television, no computer, no phone, no internet and I had to walk to obtain these amenities. Don't get me wrong, I rucked miles and miles with the Army. At the time, however, every step was agony. My head ached, my neck killed me and I couldn't feel my right arm. Taking this trek three times a day for a meal was insane - let alone to get a book. However, making it my mission to do so, gave me some semblance of humanity and purpose.
Meanwhile, I avoided the Lt. Col. like the plague. It was then, I was introduced to Col. Ratterree. He had a gentle smile and kind disposition. When we first met, he didn't question my Army uniform or site Air Force regulation. He looked down at me, put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Thank you for everything you did for us." As I write this entry now, and recall how I felt at that very moment, my eyes fill with tears. I will always remember him for his kindness and support during one of the most confusing times of my life.
Jesus said, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Col. Ratterree truly embodies that creed and I have the utmost respect for him. If it wasn't for Col. Ratterre, my faith in every Air Force officer would have been lost forever.
Old Time Looking Photos...
Yesterday, I decided to play around with lights and toning to create an old fashioned style military portrait. Here are a couple of the examples I wanted to share with you.
Nikon D3s and 24-70mm Lens
Aperture Priority: ISO 400, F-2.8 and 1/60 Shutter Speed
(2) SB-900 Strobes
Nikon D3s and 24-70mm Lens
Aperture Priority: ISO 400, F-2.8 and 1/60 Shutter Speed
(2) SB-900 Strobes
When the Women's Memorial first opened in Washington D.C., I became a registered member. During the Reserve Officer Association's convention, I ran into the Executive Director, Ann Marie Sharratt. We talked about the Women's Memorial and different exhibitions they have coming up in the future. If you are in town, be sure to stop in and see their collection of historic and modern-day photographs. If you are a female veteran, become a member. It's our responsibility to carry the torch, which so many women worked so hard to light!
If you are active duty and are looking for a way to give back to the community, why not volunteer there too.
Here are some snow-bound pictures I took from my D.C. hotel room...
More to come soon,
Stacy
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