Hold on to what's important

I debated for a very long time before deciding to post this photo.

It's always a photographer's mission to be unnoticed so that they can capture life as it happens without someone feeling the need to pose for the camera. On June 5th, 2011 the Soldiers of the 1484th Transportation Company of the Ohio Army National Guard boarded a plane that would take them away from their families for a year. In the hours prior to that, I was privileged to be a part of the departure ceremonies and to photograph what took place.

I almost didn't take this picture. As it was, I had to turn away afterwards and wipe tears from my eyes.

If I could say anything to this Soldier and his son I would say, "Don't worry. You're going with a great group of Soldiers. I know that the separation will be hard but it will be over before you know it. And the next hug will probably have some tears involved as well. But they will be tears of joy."

Please support our Soldiers.

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