Sgt. Michael Keith Ingram Jr., Art Prize 2011

This is Sgt. Michael Keith Ingram Jr. He was know for his smile. He was from Newport, Michigan. He had moved to Monroe, Michigan. He enjoyed taking things apart and then putting them back together again. He enjoyed going to Tiger games and was known as a positive person. He had been serving in Afghanistan for about a year and was a leader of a small group. He was injured a few weeks before his death that would have required surgery. He didn't want to go home early because he didn't want to leave his guys behind. Michael died on 4/17/2010 at the age of 23. His parents gave permission to make a movie about Michael called, " One Soldiers Story." I has been showing in the East side of the state and is the basis for a fund raiser called, Mikies Minute (www.MikiesMinute.com) It raises money to by phone cards so the soldiers over seas can call home. Michael portrait can be seen during Art Prize 2011 at The Spectrum Health Center, Butterworth Center, Atrium. Come on down and check it out.

Cpl Jacob Henry Turbett, Art Prize

This is Cpl Jacob Henry Turbett. Jacob came from a family of military. He decided early in life to make the military his career. He was thinking about leaving the Marines when his enlistment came up so he could go back to school and then get into flying in the service. He had been stationed in Bangladesh, Okinawa, Iraq and finally Afghanistan. He was from Canton, Michigan. He died of a single gun shot wound on 2/13/2010 at the age of 21. His picture will be displayed at the Spectrum Health Butterworth Atrium from Sept. 21, 2011 to Oct. 8, 2011 for Art Prize.

Sgt. Dillon Black Foxx, Art Prize 2011

Kaiden Foxx

Dillon and Kaiden

This is Sgt. Dillon Black Foxx. Dillon was on his second deployment to Afghanistan. He was known as a man with a bigger heart than anyone. He enlisted om the service at the age of 18. He is the father of Kaiden Foxx who he adored. Dillon was a creative individual. Here is a poem he wrote before his death.

Soldiers Poem

If I ever go to war mom, please don’t be afraid.
There are some things I must do, to keep the promise that I made.
I’m sure there will be some heartache, And I know that you’ll cry tears,
But your son is a Soldier now, Mom, There is nothing you should fear.

If I ever go to war Dad, I know that you will be strong.
But you won’t have to worry, Cause you taught me right from wrong.
You kept me firmly on the ground, yet still taught me how to fly.
Your son is a Soldier now Dad, I love you Hoo-ah, Even if I die.

If I ever go to war Bro, There are some things I want to say.
You’ve always had my back, and I know it’s my time to repay.
You’ll always be my daybreak, through all of life’s dark clouds,
Your brother is a Soldier now, Bro, I promise I’ll make you proud.

If I ever go to war Sis, don’t you worry about me,
I always looked out for you, but I can’t do that anymore,
Cause I’m a big bro to all in America.
I love you so much and you know that, Your brother a Soldier now Sis,
So wipe your eyes, I’ll be fine even if I die.

If I ever go to war my Friends, We’ll never be apart,
Though we may not meet again, I’ll hold you in my heart.
Remember all the times we had, Don’t let your memories cease,
Your friend is a Soldier now, Dear Friend, And I’ll die to bring you peace.

And when I go to heaven, And see that pearly gate,
I’ll gladly decline entrance, Then stand my post and wait.
I’m sorry Sir I can’t come in, I’m sort of in a bind,
You see I’m still a Soldier Sir, So I can’t leave them behind.

Written By: Dillon Foxx aka “a Dad, a Son, a Brother, a grandson, a Nephew, a cousin, a Friend, but most of all a SOLDIER!!”

By: Sgt. Dillon Foxx

Dillon was from Traverse City Michigan and died on 2/5/10 at age 22.

Causulties 2 Final Addition

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Art Prize: Sgt.Lucas Tyler Beachnaw

As Art Prize is getting closer I decided to revisit the pictures that will be presented in my venue. The venue is Spectrum Health, Butterworth, Atrium.

This is a picture of Sgt.Lucas Tyler Beachnaw. He was from Lowell, Michigan. He was know as the guy who liked to make others laugh. Lucas was shot three times before he died. He refused medical treatment his first two gun shots, choosing instead to stay and fight with his brothers. Courageousness seems to be a highlight in most of the young men that gave their lives for their country. He was the first to die from Michigan. He was on his second tour in Afghanistan. He was 23 years old at the time of his death. R.I.P.

Mom and Baby Bear

Baby Bear and mother. Watercolor pencil painting on canvas 12x16. Cost 125.oo matted to fit 16 x 20 standard frame. Any feedback? Is anybody out there. Oh well here is one of my latest pictures.

Pfc Shane Michael Reifert, Au-sable light house

This is a picture of the Au-sable light house. I painted it for my brother. He never asks for much so when he does I like to try to give him what he wants. He has two other light houses on his living room wall and this one should fit well.

If you have time please read the blog: Myfallensoldier.blogspot.com It is a wonderful tribute to

Pfc Shane Michael Reifert

Thank you.

Kaiden turns 2

This is a picture of Kaiden Foxx. He is now two years old. I think he is an incredible good looking little guy. His father was Sgt. Dillon Black Foxx. This is a 16" by 20" watercolor painting matted in a 16" by 20" mat. I used both traditional watercolors and watercolor pencils. It was very fun to paint.

Buba he dog

This is Buba. My sister-in- Laws dog.

He is a rescue mission in and of himself. Can't help but like him in a strange way. Well its her best friend so I tried to paint him on his best side. He really looks like a strange brown hot dog. Every body needs some to love.

Silas

This little man is Silas. A precious little guy. I drew this water color painting on canvas. Size 16" by 20". Matted in a 16" by 20" blue mat. His mom and dad really liked it. I got to hold this kid and he is very good natured.

Black Eyed Susan's

Back Eyed Susan's are one of my favorite flowers, who know why? I liked this picture because it had the other red Lilly in it. I have had a lot of time to paint and am beginning to feel relaxed again. I am practicing saying a small speech for the art prize telephone identification message. Its harder than I thought but my sister and my friend are helping me. I have it written now just to call it in and get it done. For now.

Elaine

Bear Freinds

I found this picture on the internet and found it very funny. BFF's. It is like the dance of life. You never know quite what you will get. I am enjoying painting and mixing and matching techniques in the pictures. I continue to work in water color and am still using Fredrix water color canvas. The grand kids are out of town this weekend and I have had long hours of painting in my world of relaxation. It's not that I don't enjoy the kids it is that I also enjoy that place in my brain where all this seems to occur.

Flower, Art Prize,Pfc Shane Michael Reifert

This is a 12X16" painting done with watercolor paints in a tub. I am finding that some things are done better with this technique and others are done better with with the water color pencil. I guess the combo is OK. There is now some lag time before art prize and I find myself painting a lot of flowers, a dog, a baby and then more flowers. I have stopped worrying about Art Prize and am just trying to beat the heat in Michigan. I continue to enjoy reading the blog: My fallen soldier.blogspot.com Both his mother and sister are very good writers and although I don't read well it is worth the struggle. I appreciate their honesty and thoughts. Thank you.