Sometimes it baffles me how many changes can take place in such a short time. Just three years ago, I accepted my first news job at Army Times. Very green by photojournalism terms, I remember how entirely overwhelmed I was en route to the Tsunami for USA Today on my first international assignment. Since then I've made three trips to Iraq, designed my own web page, learned to shoot and edit video, and seen both my sisters begin their families. I've gotten re-married and started a new life in a new apartment with a new wife. I now have seven nieces and nephews with another on the way next month!
Then last week, on vacation with the family at Garden City Beach, my wife Tami got the call telling her she'd finally reached her professional goal after so many years...a store of her own. Next week she'll become the Store Manager for J.C. Penney in Vienna, West Virginia. I wish I could somehow convey to all of you just how proud I am of her. I've never known a harder worker with more commitment to her people. Years of getting up at 4am, working through the holidays, and mentoring countless associates, is finally paying off. And now, in the face of all her accomplishments, her greatest concern is for ME and what I will do in West Virginia.I admit, I'm once again overwhelmed, even a little scared about the road ahead. But, I'm excited as well about the new opportunities, the things I'll learn, and the stories I hope to tell. A mix of emotions that I've come to know well, to accept, and even embrace. My plan for now is to become a freelance photographer doing a mix of commercial and editorial work that I hope will finance a few of the hundred of ideas for stories that are ricocheting through my mind.
Tami leaves tomorrow for West Virginia and I will follow in a month or two, after I've completed some final stories for Army Times. Thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement. It will continue to be appreciated in the months to come.
Now for the latest story. Pvt. Channing Moss was impaled by a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) in Afghanistan, becoming a living bomb. If his fellow soldiers had followed protocol, they would have sandbagged him and considered him "expectant." Instead, they risked their lives and save his. Watch the video: Channing Moss' Story
Thanks for reading. JLee
Family Vacation Pictures
