Next Week: Iraq by auntietk
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
This is Darren.
Darren will be 22 years old in a couple of weeks. Right now he's in Kuwait, doing his last bit of training before he goes into Iraq.
He's scheduled to be doing a relatively safe job on base, checking vehicles in and out and working on the trucks as a mechanic. I'm hoping that's the way it stays.
Darren has been in the National Guard for the past few years, and he's known for a while that there was a possibility he would be sent to Iraq.
I was talking to a friend today, and we were trying to remember how old Darren was when I first met him. The jury is still out, but I believe he was about 17 years old.
He's part of the crowd that does the Trifecta Venatorius every year, and that's where I took these pictures. (The reason he's holding someone by their ankles in the middle shot is that they're getting ready to compete in the wheelbarrow race.)
Iraq just got a little closer to Seattle.

Comments (38)
Way too close when it's a friend--may he be safe.
Respect!
… I hope, Darren is careful and come soon again into the homeland!
Ah, to be 22 again. We all were once:-) Found this rather fitting piece on a page of Irish blessings: Praise to you, ever-watchful God, for you are our refuge and strength in every time and place. Send your blessing upon those who have served and are now serving their country. Let your peace be the sentry that stands guard over their lives and shield them from all harm.
It makes thes places real when connected with a friend.
Beautyful collage.
My best wishes for Darren. A very excellent triptych of a handsome guy.
Somehow so shocking even so I don't know Darren. Hope a best.
Very nice going away tribute...
It always upsets me to no end to see these young people, still soooo young, going away for this abysmal nonsense....wishing him and all the others the best and that they come home...
Nice shots sweetie, he looks pensive in the third shot, I wonder if he knew then ?, he should be safe in the motor pool, but Darren will be in my thoughts and prayers, as will all servicemen from all over the globe, may god bless them.
I have two nephews that served in the first Gulf war and in the Falklands, they are both in sivvy street now though, one of them got his ship blown up in the Falklands but came out of it without a scratch. I feel for this young man, and I hope he comes through the same way my nephews did, not having killed anybody and no injury to themselves. Excellent captures all three. Bravo!!!!! I last did the wheelbarrow race when I was at school 50 years ago or there abouts.
Excellent triptych; I hope all will be well for him...
Great collage and marvelous captures.
Beautiful composition. excellent capture
Hopefully the war will be over soon, at least that's what somebody promised... great collage, Auntie!
best wishes !!!
I hope the war will end soon and that Darren and all the other soldiers could soon return home safely!
prayers are with you and hope he will be okay wonderful capture smiles remembered warm hug and love, Linda Kaye
What a handsome young man Darren is! May he and all the other be safe and return home to their loved ones soon... God bless you young Darren. :)
Excellent collage. A very beautiful tribute.
Superb images, so well done. I wish him the very best. I thank him for his service!
My son also is going to Iraq, he leaves mid December. A prayer for all who are serving and to come home as soon as possible.
beautiful collage. Immagini molto divertenti.
Wishing him a safe journey ans well as all the Americans fighting in the Middle East ...wonderful shots !
Excellent captures and I do hope he returns safely after his tour in Iraq.
If you have a chance to...please tell Darren thank you from me for the service he's given to this Country. May God keep him safe.
Such a handsome young man- wish him and all his fellows safe service
Very moving to read all the thoughts and tributes above and I add mine..for a safe return
I hope and pray he has a safe tour of duty and without to much trauma Tara :o) Mick