Welcome Home

I feel it is important to give back to the community.  That is why I volunteer for Operation Love Reunited (oplove for short).  Oplove photographers document families that have members that are deploying, deployed or returning from deployment.  In a time where picking up a camera is the last thing on your mind, opove photographers are your historian recording all of the love and emotion as you welcome your family member home or say goodbye.

I was blessed to be able to attend Jason’s homecoming.  I met Jason, his wife, Anita, and 3 beautiful children last January before Jason was sent to Afghanistan.  I was thrilled when Anita called me to document Jason’t safe return home.   Each child had a doll with Jason’s image they were clinging to as they waited for the plane’s arrival.  After his arrival, Jason’s daughter would not let go of him and is holding him in many of the photos.  The passengers waiting to board the plane for the next flight were cheering and hugging and thanking Jason.  It was a very emotional day, but one I am happy to have witnessed.  The sideshow tells the story better than I can write.

For any photographer considering volunteering with Oplove I do recommend it.  It is very rewarding.