“Faces of Service” is an on-going black-and-white portrait project aimed at honoring the diverse group of men and women, here in Williamson County, who have served our country. Each portrait of a local veteran is paired with information and a personal written reflection.

This work is grounded in Williamson County and shaped by its veterans. The project aims to create a space where stories can be shared across generations, strengthening understanding between those who have served and those who have not. In doing so, it honors service not as an abstract concept, but as a lived experience that continues to shape our nation and local community as well as inspire viewers to give back to those who have served.

I recently had the opportunity to shoot an interview with a 99-year-old World War II Army veteran whose time in active service accounted for only a small fraction of his long life. Yet that brief chapter proved monumental—shaping who he became with outcomes that have affected everyday Americans, then and now. That contrast stayed with me: how a few years, or even months, of service can echo across a lifetime and across generations.

Portraits have the power to do more than record a likeness. They tell stories, convey emotion, and invite empathy. When paired with honest reflection, a portrait can make history and current events feel personal—no longer distant or abstract, but human and present. This belief is at the heart of “Faces of Service”.

This series combines intimate photographic portraits with the words of the veterans themselves. Together, image and voice reveal not only military service, but the lives shaped before and after it—the resilience, sacrifice, humor, loss, and pride that remain long after uniforms are put away. The project seeks to honor each veteran as an individual whose experiences are woven into the fabric of our community.

I am also inspired by my grandfather LTC Gustave Bachofner, who was an Army Combat Veteran of WWII and served in the Army Reserves from 1947-1978. I am grateful for the wonderful memories I have with him as a boy listening to stories from his time serving and looking through his Army photographs, medals, equipment and “memorabilia” that he brought home from the war in Europe. He is my hero and I wish I still had an opportunity to take his portrait.

“Faces of Service” aims to deepen local appreciation for military service, foster meaningful connection between veterans and civilians, and ensure that the stories of Williamson County’s veterans are recognized, remembered, and shared—while there is still time to listen.

-Dan Hedges, Photographer

Sponsorship funds will be used to facilitate portrait sessions, print portraits for display and for fees and costs associated with displaying the work at veterans events, galleries, museums and community spaces. A portion of sponsorship funds will also be allocated directly to local veterans assistance organizations, specifically with our partner Heroes Resource Center.  Fundraising efforts will be held at spaces and events where the portraits are displayed. Viewers will have a heightened perspective on our service members and be motivated to volunteer, donate and become involved with local veterans organizations.