Josh

He was sitting on the sidewalk along Market Street, leaning against the building, holding a sign that said “Iraq Vet - need help”. I watched for awhile and only one person paid him any attention. I approached, stooped down and asked him if he heard about the $2 Portrait project. He hadn’t, but was okay to participate.

Josh is 28 years old and was in the Army for 10 years since graduating high school. He served two tours of duty in Iraq, the first one for 11 months and the second for nine months. He ended up in San Francisco for a girl, but it didn’t seem like that relationship lasted.

Josh said he's suffering real bad from PTSD. I asked if the VA was helping him in any way. He grunted in disgust and said the VA would give him whatever drugs he wants to help him but he's intent on not becoming an addict so has declined them. Josh is struggling to get home to South Carolina. He's got most of the money for his plane ticket and hopes to be able to get back soon. He hates sitting on the street with a sign because it is so degrading.

He was very polite, addressing me as “sir” several times in our conversation. After taking a few photos, I gave him $2, wished him luck and thanked him for his service.

Taken 9/18/14