Chris Hondros, a dear friend of mine and conflict photojournalist, was killed in Misrata, Libya on April 20, 2011, alongside the brilliant photojournalist Tim Hetherington. This picture was one taken in the spider hole that Saddam Hussein was captured. Chris was the most amazing, intelligent, and empathic friend to me. I greatly admire him and miss him. 

While at Chris's memorial, I met Brownie Harris, a veteran photographer who had started the new non-profit HeartsApart.org. The organization provides deploying military families portraits at no cost from top volunteer photographers. A bi-fold card is provided for the soldier to take overseas, keeping their loved ones close. In Chris's honor, I became the volunteer West Coast Director for HeartsApart.org. I recruited photographers, liaisoned with military, to get things kickstarted out west. It's incredibly fulfilling!

Please check out the links below and volunteer/donate if possible! We need donors, photographers, make-up artists, and help getting the word out. Email me at krista at heartsapart.org

http://www.heartsapart.org/

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/video?id=8342930

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTVQid5FVUc