Hotbreaks by Arielle Altenburg
Veteran: Julie M.*, Air National Guard
Artist's Statement: Julie’s ambition and spunk prompted her success in the Air National Guard. On multiple occasions, she was tested to prove herself fit and capable and more often than not she prevailed. Although many anecdotes that Julie shared demonstrate her fierceness and perseverance, I found a certain event to be particularly emotional and arduous. Julie described her arrival to Iraq as one of the most anxiety-ridden experiences: the area was being mortared, so they landed the plane incredibly fast, resulting in the tires catching aflame (Hotbreaks). As the only female of 400 soldiers on the plane, Julie had to wait alone anxiously in a basketball court for seven hours after they landed. She admits, “They weren’t expecting a female.
*The Sisters
Four prints in this portfolio document the stories of sisters who all served in the military at different times and branches of service. Thus, they will always be sisters in arms as well as sisters in blood. Their father is a veteran as well. As a family unit they have served their country as well as their state. For this, they should be commended.
Link to Audio Tour
Commentary provided by Yvette Pino, Founder of the Veteran Prints Project