A little over a week ago, I received a text I’ll never forget.

A neighbor reached out to let me know that her friend’s husband, an active-duty Air Force member, had died by suicide. The family had made the courageous decision to give the gift of life through organ donation, one final act of generosity in the midst of overwhelming grief. The next day, they would say their goodbyes and honor him with a hero walk before surgery.

And my neighbor was asking if I would come document it.

Of course I said yes.

But I was nervous. Honored, but so nervous. This was a huge deal and unlike anything I had ever photographed. So I turned to my milspouse photographer community. Within an hour, I had connected with photographers who had captured moments like this before. They offered their experience, their support, and their hearts.

That alone was a powerful reminder that none of us are alone in this work.

The next day, I stood behind my camera with tears in my eyes and witnessed moments I’ll never forget. A final goodbye filled with quiet strength, deep faith, and so much love. A hero walk lined with tears, honor, and reverence from hundreds of people. It was heartbreakingly beautiful.

This family gave everything. And even in the midst of their loss, they chose to give again through the gift of organ donation. Six lives were saved because of their choice. It was a goodbye marked by unimaginable pain, yet incredible generosity.

PTSD is Real.

After saying goodbye to her husband, this servicemember’s wife pulled me aside and said something I didn’t expect.

She told me she wants these photos to be seen. She wants people to know this story. She wants to help soften the stigma around PTSD and suicide in the military community.

So that’s why I’m sharing this. Not to sensationalize. Not to exploit. But to honor his sacrifice and her strength. To say the thing we don’t say enough: PTSD is real. And it is not weakness. It is a wound, not a flaw. And it deserves care, not shame.

If You’re Struggling, You Are Not Alone.

If you or someone you love is carrying unseen pain, please know this:

You are not broken.
You are not weak.
You are not a burden.

Help exists. And you are worthy of receiving it.

Here are a few resources for military families living with PTSD and mental health challenges:

• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1
• Military OneSource – Confidential Counseling
• Tricare PTSD Resources
• Wounded Warrior Project – Mental Health Services

Please share these with someone who needs them. Keep them close. Speak them out loud. They matter more than you know.

To the Family Who Shared This Story

There are no words big enough to hold what you gave. You allowed me into your most intimate goodbye. You trusted me to witness it, and now, to share it. Thank you for your courage. For your vulnerability. And for allowing this story to help soften the silence.

Final note:
Photos from this day are being shared publicly with the family’s permission. Out of respect for their privacy, names and identifying details have been omitted. Please receive this story with kindness and let it remind us all that behind every uniform is a human soul.