A Preview...

Luisa and I went out to my Grandfather's farm on Sunday, and Luisa let me snag a few photo's of her on the farm. I have the most beautiful model for my shots!!

My Adoring Wife

I owe all that I continually have, my love for life, my joy and happiness, all to my sweet wife Luisa. Without her love, support and encouragement, I would not be who I am today. Being married to the woman of my dreams, I love and laugh more and more. So, finally with her consent, she has allowed me to put up to three new pictures of her on my blog. My wife and life are wonderful!

War Veteran

My Grandfather, Robert Melroy Ballard, served in World War II as a paratrooper in the 11th division. On Sunday, I had the great opportunity to photograph a few of his Army belongings as he told Luisa and I of his experiences of being in the War. Here, he holds his dog tags, which show his name, ID number, blood type and religion. Back then, they would not let him put LDS, so they put "P" for Protestant. He even made some extra tags with LDS on them, and his commanding officer threw them away.

He tells of a time they were attacked in the jungles of Manila. Each Japanese soldier would carry one of these flags with them at all times. A member of his division found this flag, but he already had one, so he gave it my Grandfather. More than sixty years later, you can still make out small blood stains and the Japanese symbols of encouraging words of good luck and love from friends and family to the Japanese soldier.

My Grandfather even brought out his entire Uniform. Here is a shot of his coat with his medals on it.