I was walking down the street in a hot area of Indianapolis. He had a sign that said "Army Vet" and was asking for 37 cents. I said to my son, "I should do a $2 Portrait" and he responded by saying he'd love to watch me do one. So I approached the guy and asked if he had heard of $2 Portraits. He had not and after I explained it, he readily agreed to participate. He told me he originally wanted 37 cents so he could get a beer, but $2 would set him up good.
Spanky is 55 years old and was born and raised in Indianapolis. He has no family other than the guys he knows from the streets, one of whom was keeping him company this evening. He told me his friend can come the the shelter for 3 nights at a time but then has to leave, but after a couple of nights he can come back for another 3. Spanky used to be an electrician but isn’t working now. He served in the Army at several bases in the US and was also in Iran (maybe Iraq?) for a short period of time.
All the while I’m talking to Spanky, my son was looking on taking it all in. I thanked Spanky for his service and gave him $2. An hour later we saw him again and he and his friend thanked me for the beers; even asking me if I wanted a swig. After having dinner nearby and returning to the car, my son offered Spanky our leftovers. He accepted but also asked for 37 cents…
Taken 6/18/16
