About the Book
Not long after Andrea wrote the poem, I Am a Veteran, she felt the desire to put it in book form. But with her busy schedule, year after year came and went, and she was left with the nagging feeling of a work undone. Finally, fifteen years after writing the poem, she knew she could not let another year go by, and book became a "front burner" project. With fifteen more years of appreciation for veterans in her heart, she set out to create an offering that would be completely worthy of its subject. With the help of a team of gifted artists and designers, the poem is now a beautiful coffee table book that combines the best of poetry, art, and design. It is the perfect gift for veterans and their families, or for anyone who loves and appreciates those who have given military service.
The complete story is in I Am a Veteran, the book.
"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal."
Anon.
"I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people."
Maya Angelou
Note from the author: Many people have asked about illustrations in the book and who or what inspired them. Each drawing was created from an “inspiration photo” that was carefully and prayerfully selected. I pored over thousands of photographs over a period of several months. Some of the inspiration photos were captured by friends and family and a couple of them, I actually took myself. Others I found while searching military websites. A few I stumbled upon while searching the internet. I tracked down the photographers, contacted them and asked for their permission to use them. This process was inspiring and emotionally draining at the same time. I was immersed in these photos, and over and over, I was humbled as I thought of the lives and the souls represented in each one. It was overwhelming.
So much sacrifice. So much giving. So much love.
I want to express my thanks to the seven wonderful artists who, with pencil and paper, gave these photos a special new life.
Gallery
