Lifestyle

TODAY Show Features Veterans in New Series

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Tony Maples Photography

 

A new series by the TODAY Show tells the incredible stories of U.S. military veterans featured in former President George W. Bush’s new book “Portraits of Courage.” President Bush spent several months working on the portraits, according to a statement on his facebook page. “Over the past several months, I’ve painted the portraits of 98 wounded warriors I’ve gotten to know – remarkable men and women who were injured carrying out my orders. I think about them on #VeteransDay and every day. Their paintings and stories will be featured in PORTRAITS OF COURAGE – a book and special exhibit – and I am donating all my proceeds to the George W. Bush Presidential Center and our Military Service Initiative’s work to honor and support them.”

In the first clip of the series, Iraqi War Veteran Melissa Stockwell tells her story. It is an amazing story of triumph and overcoming adversity to reach the highest levels of fitness and success. Melissa’s story is just one of nearly 100 veterans highlighted in “Portraits of Courage” set to hit shelves on February 28th. Take a look at her story.

Whether you agree with his politics or not, it’s hard to ignore the immense respect President Bush displays for our troops. Bush is involved in numerous veterans’ activities, events, and organizations. His annual W100K mountain bike ride is an effort to bring attention to the needs of our veterans, according to www.bushcenter.org, “For wounded warriors from America’s military, spending a weekend riding mountain bikes in the Warrior 100K will offer an opportunity to meet other veterans, share meals, share life stories, as well as ride and cross the finish line with their former commander-in-chief.”

w100K Photo: Facebook/George W. Bush

Heading into Presidents’ Day, this is another opportunity to remember the men who have led our country, the incredible responsibility they hold in their hands on a daily basis, and the need for their continued involvement in the lives of everyday Americans. As our country continues to move forward, we have the great opportunity to remember the contributions of our five living as well as the dozens of others who have led our country to where we are today. Thank you all for your service and sacrifice.