Kara Frame

A front desk staff employee at a Days Inn dresses up for Halloween and greets customers with a bubbly personality and smile.

Nov. 2, 2014 || Julia Quigg clutches her husband’s Bronze Star with Valor close to her as I ask her to stand for a portrait. After a few shots, I realize the beauty that lies within her grasp. She’s a young Army wife that has become the breadwinner after her husband, Josh, was medically retired from the Army. His diagnosis of severe PTSD deemed his unfit to serve. It’s been six months since they have returned to civilian life and they’re trying to find a house and begin this new chapter with their 2 year old son. When asked about how his life is affected by PTSD, one thing in particular stuck with me. Josh said, “It’s especially hard being around my son at night. That’s when I have really bad anxiety. My son wants to cuddle with me and I can’t. Because I’m afraid. You know, if I wake up from a nightmare and my son is crawling on me, I might do something.” It’s hard for those of us who don’t experience PTSD to understand its far reaching effects.

Oct. 26, 2014 || Vietnam Veteran Gary Young continues to smoke despite his prior effort to quit and his family's disapproval of the habit. His wife, Betty, says because of his severe PTSD and stubbornness the unhealthy pattern persists.

Jul. 10, 2014 || Ky is a passionate artist, barista, and bartender who often philosophizes the minute details of everyday life. After deep contemplation he usually ends his thought with a booming laugh. 

Jul. 24, 2014 || Exhausted from the afternoon sun, he kindly but quickly posed for a portrait.

Jul. 25, 2014 || A young girl plays with her mom dressed in period clothes. She is in attendance of the bicentennial celebration of Lundy's Lane.

A veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam war honored for his service as a Latino soldier during segregated military service.