So Far Away: Our Sons in Afghanistan
American soldiers in Afghanistan are on the front line in the war against terrorism. The media brings us accounts of their tactical and strategic accomplishments. But what do we really know about their personal experiences?
American soldiers in Afghanistan are on the front line in the war against terrorism. The media brings us accounts of their tactical and strategic accomplishments. But what do we really know about their personal experiences?
Soldiers in combat experience stress - both acute and chronic - that most other people may never even begin to imagine. They are far from home and from their beloved friends and families, they lack sleep, they live in a constant state of uncertainty often feeling as if their own personal fates are completely and utterly out of their control. These men are often wracked with loneliness and struggle with doubt. Sometimes they face complex ethical dilemmas.
But they also form strong bonds with their comrades that may be unique from any other sort of friendship, forged by an existence that tests their mettle at every single moment. It is often the power of these intense friendships that pulls them through the most difficult and darkest moments.
As an infantryman myself, I have struggled with the sometimes near-impossible experiences of combat. And I have learned that, however well-meaning friends and family might be back home, it is usually very difficult for them to understand and relate to what a warrior has experienced.
In an effort to help the country understand more closely what its sons are being asked to do so far away from home, I intend to accompany a unit of American soldiers in Afghanistan and document their experiences – both good and bad. As a photographer, I would want my images to help the general public face directly the fear and the stress, the terror and the uncertainties faced by the men they send off to war. I would hope that such a project could increase public empathy toward the “simple soldier,” potentially benefiting both the soldiers themselves and also aiding the public to see the larger picture behind government decisions to send American sons into the fire so far from home.
14 Comments
I have a son and his wife who both army, just returned from Iraq. I have a two marine step sons.... good idea! I have left you a vote, please visit my dream and leave a vote or comment if so inspired. Thank you and good luck!
There is no cause greater than those who fight for our freedom! My best friend is an infantryman and he's been there 3 times in the past six years. Always scary! Embedded journalists and photographers are such a great idea. We get to see what really goes on there. You have my vote! Good luck!
this needs to be done.
just noticed i could vote more than once so you have my vote x 3 - 1 for each story - good luck Mati!
I love this idea! check out mine and Pic it if youd like! Congo here I come...
Hey - Fantastic idea!
You've got my vote ... Will you check mine out and give me a vote? Hang in there!
Keep shooting ... D
Bless you and your dream! Best of luck and you have my "PIC" - please check out my dream of furthering peaceful coexistence between Jews and Arabs in the Middle East. Thanks!!
Good ideas like yours that are not in the Top 100 are nearly impossible to find. This is unfair as many great ideas are hidden. Those of us in the “Sub-100” should work together to promote the best projects of the Sub-100 so that they can be in the Top 100 and be seen. Please vote for best Sub-100s!
Good idea, man. I was just in Afghanistan for two months working on some stories. Best of luck. Feel free to vote for my idea on Zimbabwe.
You're dreaming. Big. I love it. Courageous and companssionate. You got my vote.
and this one too.
Good luck.
most of the projects here are documentary assignments, and most of the judges are documentary photographs. I believe in my project, but I don't think I have a chance, coz my project is more conceptual. Anyways.. good luck with yours!
I like your idea, check out mine and vote for me if you like it. Its about poverty and society in 3rd world countries and how they are controlled, devastated by their governments and western industrialized nations.
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matimilstein
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I voted for you. Don't forget to vote for yourself! Thank you for your service to our country. Your dream comes from experience and is certainly worthy! My dream for this contest is about children of the world. There are lots of great dreams here. Good luck!