Jump Ready: Opa’s Memory as a 101st Airborne Eagle
Makena T.
Oil Painting
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My grandfather served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1962 as a 101st airborne screaming eagle. Before this project, his life in the military had been a complete mystery to me, aside from the knowledge that his time as a paratrooper were the “best years of his life.” That is why, when he approached me last Spring asking me to recreate a photo he took in 1960 flying over Fort Campbell, Kentucky, I was more than excited. As I watched a blank 20x24 inch canvas slowly unfold the story of his life, I also learned that there were over 300 paratroopers jumping with my grandfather from C130 Herculeses in a six plane, 3V formation. I painted this story not just for my grandfather and I, but for the countless others who were not fortunate enough to have their stories told, after all, a picture can hold a thousand words.
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Creativity allows me to express myself in ways that I would otherwise feel incapable of, it allows me to process my emotions and portray them to those around me, igniting a sense of community and understanding.
