For my September 11 Day of Action I took free portraits of veterans in the Pueblo of Acoma. These images are now displayed in the Acoma Senior Center, where their families and friends can observe them at their leisure. Photographing and interviewing each veteran gave them the opportunity to share their experiences in the service, and how it felt to come home, to all of the economic and social problems on the reservation, after being overseas. While they are proud of serving their country, many live alone and do not receive the recognition they deserve, or feel comfortable talking about their war experiences. Through this Service Project the Acoma Senior Center and AmeriCorps publically recognized the sacrifices, scars and acts of bravery of our elder warriors while combating one of the most serious struggles Native American servicemen and women deal with once they come home--loneliness and depression.

Benny Valley. “Cold War Veteran”, Age 81, Ambrosia Lake and Homestake Barrick-Gold Uranium Mine and Mill 1968 – 1982