The Open Doors Exhibit Gallery

This exhibit of 30 sepia-toned, black and white photographic portraits and accompanying, written profiles is intended to capture these men who were tested like few people of subsequent generations have. The goal of this writer/photographer team is to capture the subjects’ personalities with visual images and written profiles that add verbal color, context and quotes. It is also intended to defy the lingering, negative stereotype of Vietnam veterans.

Separately, the profile and portrait give the observer a glimpse at a man. Together, they give insight into how he ticks, how he thinks and how he lives. Seeing Captain Ev Southwick laughing and playing the ukulele offers up a visual image of a flirtatious, playful, fun-loving man. However, his profile reveals a much more intimate sense at how laughter has sustained him through three divorces and a brain aneurysm. Not a deeply religious man, he uses laughter as a spiritual release and the photo captures his own personal therapy in action.

“Open Doors: Vietnam POWs Thirty Years Later” suggests hope, opportunity and second chances – a testament to the sheer strength of the human spirit and the power of human will. It reinforces the poignant quote made by Commander Paul Galanti: “There’s no such thing as a bad day when you have a door knob on the inside of the door.”

NEXT: Where the Open Doors Exhibit has been displayed

NEXT: Where the Open Doors Exhibit has been displayed