Honoring Our Veterans

By Dave Chudnov, Procurement Specialist, MoboTrex

For the past 4 years, I have assisted in teaching photography workshops to combat-wounded veterans. This workshop is part of a series of programs run by Honoring Our Veterans, based out of Jackson, WY.  The goal of HOV is to improve the quality of life for veterans by offering them activities that strengthen their physical, cognitive, emotional and social functioning.

“It gives me something to think about that is not related to my pain or injuries. It gives me motivation and inspiration…Despite the challenges, photography has broadened my creativity and given me more reasons to explore and enjoy life.” — Lance Corporal Dustin Arledge

My co-teacher, Cathy Aronson of Daydream Imagery LLC, is the primary leader and organizer of the photography workshops put on by HOV.  Additionally, she and I are night sky photography enthusiasts.  She knows exactly where to go to provide a wonderful experience with landscape and night-sky Milky Way locations.  We visit the iconic spots, including the Moulton barns, Schwabacher Landing, and a few beautiful lakes. We photograph some less well-known locations too, including the local rodeo and working ranches.

“I get to leave the stress of everyday life and go to a gorgeous area, relax and focus on what I’m seeing and how to get a nice shot, not what I need to fix for dinner or that I need to mow the lawn. Photography has helped me to slow down and appreciate every day.” — Technical Sergeant Janna Cronk

We use the power of photography in this workshop series as the primary tool walking each other toward improving quality of life. Working together, discussing aspects of art, nature, time and place, we find within the moments of serenity a path to the open goal of healing.

For more information on Honoring Our Veterans visit their website at www.honorvets.org

Contact Information
Dave Chudnov, Procurement Specialist
dchudnov@mobotrex.com
512-521-3067

The Honorable Richard Spencer, 76th (current) Secretary of the Navy, and an Honoring Our Veterans Director – this is one of my photos of the area, currently hanging in his Pentagon office

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