I grew up as an 'Air Force Brat' in a family with a long line of veterans stretching back to WWI, military service was 'in the blood'. Joining was basically preordained. So I joined the Navy, just before my high school graduation in 1971. Even though the Vietnam war was still going pretty hot, the idea of serving in a jungle battlefield half-a-world-away didn't even enter my head. My best friend from high school had joined the Army a year before and was now missing in action, but it didn't bother me. So, after basic training, I stood a real chance of being assigned to duty as a combat camera photographer after finishing photography school. That didn't happen and I spent the last four years of Vietnam stateside. I got lucky. The impact my service years had on my life was minimal and positive.

For many others, however, serving in the military, proved to be a life-changing event. I have known many vet's who, after their "enlistment" found themselves dealing with physical maladies or mental health issues related to their service. Every veteran is discharged with an Honorable or General rating is entitled to care that is coordinated by the Veterans Administration. But they must apply for it. Then, and usally after a lengthy wait, they receive a rating which can range from 10-percent (minimal care and benefits), to 100-percent, which means a full benefit package, retirement pay compensation, physical and mental health coverage and educational benefits. Those who receive a Dishonorable discharge receive no support whatsoever. That particular discharge level also proves to be a life-changing event, and not in a good way.

Veterans Through the Cracks speaks to the post-service experiences of five veterans. All five served in combat situations from the far east conflicts in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, to Middle East conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Four received honorable discharges, and one did not, receiving a dishonorable discharge. This brief look at their stories conveys but a small sampling of the hundreds-of-thousands of veterans who share similar experiences. I have witnessed many veterans who did their job only to have the care and benefits they earned denied. One particularly tragic story involved a local veteran who served 26 years in the Air Force, was diagnosed with colon cancer after his retirement and due to some incomprehensible paperwork issues, was denied medical care and tragically died, receiving no care at all. The inconsistencies inherent in the VA care system too frequently result in terrible instances like this and this is why I chose to bring this issue to light in my documentary.

– Ron Keller, BA | Assistant Professor of Photography, NMSU/Alamogordo &
US Navy Photographer's Mate 1971-75