the unknown soldiers

Why is it that when you are in a tremendous hurry, or you have to be somewhere on time and you are in "late arrival" mode, objects from the universe are placed in front of you, hurling randomly into your path from the nether regions of outer space to find themselves between you and your destination? This was one of those chaotic moments I speak of as I maneuvered through the waves of human life crushing past me on this day in the Jackson Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport. There is an old saying in the south... " Whether you are going to heaven or hell, you have to connect through Atlanta". This might be true.
On this day I am traveling to Orlando from Orange County, California. I am in a hurry.( really) I am not LATE. I have plenty of time (20 min.)before the plane takes off. Out of the corner of my eye, (the other corner is dodging airport shuttle traffic, small human engines running from parents, folks older than me dragging luggage and what seems to be the years of taking a slower pace) I notice a man lying on the floor of a gateway in the E terminal reading a book The Shack with his head on a backpack. He is wearing camouflage. Not that once trendy sand camo....real standard military issue camo. Before I can completely stop in the flow of passengers I realize there are about 10 or maybe 15 more dressed accordingly at his gate waiting. Hmmm? I now have 15 minutes.
I believe that there are enough miraculous moments to capture with my camera without ever leaving my neighborhood that could keep me busy for a lifetime. I could spend hours just shooting the sunlight pouring in my window on my staircase, more time than should be allowed. The story is there you have to see it, catch it, and realize that it may be your only chance before the light changes and the moment is gone. This was one of those "story" moments. I wanted to be in it. I wanted everyone to be in it also.
I placed my gear at my gate with a very understanding, reliable looking elderly couple and told them what I needed to do. My gear was in capable hands. (do not ever do this, it's always against airport security)I grabbed my camera-without an external flash so as to be less obtrusive( and also to prevent camera confiscation)and pinballed back down the terminal dodging bodies to catch these moments. I asked for verbal permission since I had no waivers with me. I am the photo sniper.
I had to wait until the traffic cleared to catch the first few shots. The light was ugly yellow green fluorescent ( pardon my very low resolutions and my camera shake),but the reflection off the floor gave me a great shot for my soldier reading his book. I quickly darted around the gate, asking their stories, telling mine, and asking permission from those not sleeping. I can't stop. I have 10 minutes.
Ten minutes for the men and women who were all from different platoons. They were brought together to form one team. They didn't know each other, they only know this was not a drill, or training, they were going off together to work. It was their mission, their job, what they had been training for...soldiers, heroes, just regular folk. Their connection was delayed that day and they had been there for hours, waiting. Checking family updates online, writing loved ones, playing computer games, eating pizza, sleeping, praying, listening to music on their iPods, and waiting. Their destination was Afghanistan. Maybe you have thought about them. Prayed or spoken quiet wishes for them. Theirs is not a job I could do, or want to do. I love these women and men. They are doing this for their families, for us, and for each other. Thank you isn't enough.
I want to try to thank you, all of you for going there for me. For standing up for what you believe, and for waiting there that day. I got to meet you. You are amazing Americans. You are my heroes. You gave me time with you, and now I know what to pray for you. That is the least I can do, and here are the (21) photos I promised you. Thank you.

p.s. I was the last to board my flight..., but I made it. I trust you all did too.






















































































































Dear heroes,
If you would like a copy of an image of you for your family please get in touch with me through my website contact page, it would be my pleasure to send one to them.
God bless you, -cece









































"my gift is how I see life...my art is telling your story"