Photographer Aims to Profile 250 Veterans for America’s 250th Birthday

Photographer Mikel Conrad has an important assignment to complete in the next few months – photograph and interview 250 veterans and active-duty military members by July 4, 2026, America’s 250 birthday. 

Through his project “250 Faces of Service & Sacrifice,” Conrad is collecting stories and portraits of past and present service members to honor the nation’s milestone. On his website, Conrad explains why he decided to embark on such an ambitious mission. 

“I created this project with one simple mission — to honor the men and women who’ve protected our nation for the past 250 years, and to ensure their stories, faces, and sacrifices are never forgotten,” he said. “This is more than a photography project—it’s a national tribute.” 

Most veterans shy away from the spotlight, but Conrad, a Henderson, Nevada resident, believes they’ve earned the chance to be photographed professionally and share tales of sacrifice. He also photographs Gold Star parents and families with military ties. 

“Just their willingness to serve and just do what they had to do and not beat their chest about it. They just went out and did what they had to do,” Conrad said.

His project has extended beyond the Las Vegas valley, garnering interest from veterans and their families across the country. His website includes a page to nominate a veteran for the project. 

Preserving Their Stories for History

Conrad’s goal was to capture a wide range of veterans, from World War II to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including Army veteran Tracy Strong, who was deployed to both nations before retiring in 2013 following a 35-year career. 

“My first tour in Iraq was 2004-05, and then my second tour in Iraq was 2007-08,” Strong said. “Then I did 18 months in Afghanistan.” 

Another veteran Conrad photographed was Joe Spizzirro, who completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. Spizzirro, like so many other Vietnam War veterans, didn’t receive a warm welcome when he returned home. 

“I wore my uniform and I was spit up on, but I didn’t hold that against anybody. I did what I wanted to do. I did the honorable thing,” Spizzirro said.

Korean War veterans Gene Acker and Ron Camillo also participated in the project. Camillo said he served in Korea from 1950-51 as a member of the 1st Marine Division and the 5th Marines. Even after more than 70 years, Camillo’s recollections of the war are raw, emotional and painful to relive. 

“I can remember like yesterday, Korea,” Camillo said. “The problem is I saw things over there I can’t talk about.” 

Acker was honored to be a part of Conrad’s special project.  

“We’re all tied together. We’re all brothers,” Acker said. “We’re not worth a damn without one another.” 

Conrad hopes to keep the legacies of these veterans alive through his work, even years after they’ve died. Some of the WWII veterans Conrad photographed in recent years have died, but their stories and photos are available through 250faces.com.

“Each portrait is a reminder that freedom is not free—it’s preserved through generations of courage and commitment,” Conrad said on his website.