Veterans

Pearsall Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary of Veterans Portrait Project

Wednesday, March 14, 2018, By Margaret Lynch

Stacy Pearsall created the in 2008. Since that time she has traveled the nation taking formal portraits of thousands of veterans in whatever style those veterans choose to present themselves. The Veterans Portrait Project, which Pearsall admits was at first a healing tool for her own PTSD, has now become a national phenomenon, offering Americans a glimpse into the hearts of veterans. Pearsall deeply understands that “What unites them all is their service. It’s a bond that cannot be broken, and I am proud to be one of them.” The project is now marking its 10th anniversary.

Pearsall is an Air Force veteran who served three tours in Iraq, enlisted at age 17 and became a combat photographer traveling to 41 countries and capturing over 500,000 images, many of which were distributed around the world. She is the first woman to twice be named Military Photographer of the Year. She is also a 2004 graduate of the military photojournalism program at the .

Pearsall’s career came to an abrupt halt when she was injured in Iraq and later decorated with the Bronze Star and the Air Force Commendation with Valor. As she lay in the hospital and spent hours in waiting rooms listening to the war stories of veterans from every generation, every branch of service and every conflict, she realized she could use her photography to honor these veterans in a very personal way.

鶹Ƶ 鶹ƵUniversity

鶹ƵUniversity is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic , with a global footprint, and , 鶹ƵUniversity offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of 鶹ƵUniversity is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit .