Veterans Day Parade: Grand Marshal Stacy Pearsall

I am proud to report that my float didn't sink... just kidding. A couple of months ago, the Charleston Veterans Affairs Hospital asked if I would be the Grand Marshal for their 2009 parade. I was floored.

Of course I said yes and was humbled and thrilled to do the job.

I was a bit overwhelmed because I thought I was going to be on the float by myself. Luckily, I had an entourage of other female veterans to keep me company. Not only did they keep me company, they kept me laughing. I was proud to share the float with such great women.

Like so many other 'firsts' in my life, I was the first female to ever hold the role of Grand Marshal for the Charleston Veterans Day Parade. EVER. Funny enough, I didn't even know that until I was being interviewed by the VA news crew. LOL!

My husband, Andy Dunaway, went to the parade to show his support. He took these pictures I'm sharing with you now. I tell you what... I'm a pretty lucky woman to have such a wonderful and supportive husband. He really gives me the confidence I need to sit on a float and wave to hundreds of strangers.

There was a crew of veterans who road their motorcycles in front and behind my float. They had a flag for every branch of service and every state. It was pretty cool. Plus the motorcyle engines added a presence I couldn't with my smile and wave.

I have been very lucky in my life. I survived improvised explosive devices, mortars, small arms fire and dog attacks. I've also made wonderful friends and visited extraordinary countries. Wow! I am truly blessed. I'd like to thank America's veterans for their service to our country.

Thank you,

Stacy Pearsall

Vet Village and the Veterans Portrait Project

On Wednesday, I went to the Old Navy Base in Charleston, which is now used for many small business industries. However, tucked back in the old housing area is a place called Vet Village. It's a place where homeless veterans can find shelter, job training and rehabilitation. The Village is home many veterans unfortunately. But, I am pleased that they have a place to turn to. To find out more about Vet Village or places like these in your area, check out www.VA.gov.

-Stacy P

Stacy on PBS Veterans Day

Watch Charleston based photographer and military veteran, Stacy Pearsall, this Veterans Day on PBS as she receives recognition from the USAF Band PBS. Pearsall traveled to Washington D.C. to participate as one of the veterans being honored in this year's America's Veterans: A Musical Tribute. Actor Lou Gossett Jr. delivered a feature vignette on Pearsall's heroic combat service while the Air Force Band provided a musical accompaniment.

Your local listing: http://www.usafband .af.mil/shared/ media/document/ AFD-091105- 045.pdf

http://www.usafband.af.mil/americanvetstribute/




America's Veterans: A Musical Tribute, a star-studded program honoring America's bravest, will air on Public Television on Veterans Day, November 2009. Featuring The United States Air Force Orchestra, the program highlights the musical talents of American songbook vocalist Michael Feinstein, popular Irish tenor Ronan Tynan and blues dynamo Shemekia Copeland. Joined by Academy Award-winning actorLou Gossett Jr., this one-hour patriotic special is a thrilling and memorable tribute to veterans of all services.

Viewers will be moved by Michael Feinstein's "We Dreamed These Days," while Shemekia Copeland brings down the house with "Born A Penny" and Ronan Tynan gives a stunning performance of "Going Home." The United States Air Force Orchestra is featured in a powerful rendition of "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Finally, the official chorus of the United States Air Force, The Singing Sergeants rounds out the tribute with the inspiring "Freedom Song." The program also features short vignettes beautifully delivered by Lou Gossett Jr. honoring veteran heroes from all five branches of the military. Each featured veteran is recognized on camera after his/her segment is presented.

The program was presented in partnership with Maryland Public Television, National Productions and was made possible in part by Booz Allen Hamilton. (No federal endorsement is intended or authorized.)

Veteran Portrait Series Continues...

As many of you know, I have been working on a project that is near and dear to me heart. I have photographed well over 100 veterans in Charleston and today I visited the Veteran's Affairs Hospital located downtown.

I actually get my medical care at this facility and know my way around well. Me and my crew (Des'ola Gunter and Shannon Di) met up with VA Public Affairs Officer, Michael Dukes. He's been my main point of contact throughout this adventure. He took us up to the resident veteran's ward.

On the residence floor, I met several wonderful people. Actually, they were playing poker and listening to the oldies station on the radio. I thought to myself, "I sure hope I can learn poker before I get my paycheck check swindled by a bunch of veteran card sharks!"

After I photographed all of the residence folks, I headed downstairs to the lobby. From there, I started shooting VA Hospital patrons as they walked through. Again, some of the best people in the world.

Next week I will be at Veteran's Village, which is a housing development for homeless veterans. I really look forward to meeting the souls that reside there.

More to come...

- Stacy