Washington DC exhibit features Yarosh portrait

BY DEBORAH A. MILES

Rick Yarosh, son of PEF member Tom

Yarosh, has gained national recognition since his portrait was hung at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC in an exhibit called “100 Faces of War.” Yarosh, a U.S. Army sergeant, had his

life change in September 2006 while he was in a Bradley patrol vehicle in Baghdad. It was hit by an improvised explosive device. The fuel cell ignited and engulfed him and two other soldiers in flames. Matthew Mitchell, the portrait painter,

saw a photo of Yarosh and wanted to do a painting of him for the Outwin Boochever National Portrait competition. The project was to create a group of portraits which represent the wide range of the American experience of war in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Rick volunteered to help with

representing injured people for this project,” Mitchell said. “It has been an incredible experience working with Rick, both on the painting and with all the media attention that has come with his portrait’s acceptance in the Boochever’s National Portrait competition. I am deeply grateful to him for his great generosity of spirit.” Mary Ann Sacharov, the EAP

coordinator at the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, held fundraisers to sponsor a bus trip to DC. She said 52 people, PEF Division 399

Veterans and active-duty

A PROUD MOMENT – (L) MaryAnn Sacharov joins SherryYarosh,

Richard Fletcher and his daughter, Ashley, at the National Portrait Gallery inWashington DC in

April to view the painting of RickYarosh.

members and their families, plus Sherry Yarosh (Rick’s mom), viewed the exhibit in April. “The portrait is very realistic,”

Sacharov said. “It shows the courage and strength in Rick’s eyes. It was a very moving moment, because it was the first time his mom saw the portrait.” Assistant Council Leader Richard

Fletcher said the portrait competition is a

special salute to those who have served our country. “Seeing Rick’s portrait and the others

brings to life the bravery and courage of those who have served overseas. It also reminds us of the devastation brought on by war, and how grateful we all should be to these heroic men and women,” Fletcher said. The exhibit will run through August 22.

Veterans now can render military-style salute to flag

The reform was included in the

military not wearing a uniform are now allowed to render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, and during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag. This is something most

civilians don’t think about. But for veterans and casually- dressed active duty military personnel, the recent change is important.

Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which former U.S. President George Bush signed in October, 2008. “Some veterans have always

continued to salute the flag when out of uniform and knowing it was unauthorized,” said Richard Fletcher, chair of the PEF Veterans Committee.

“Many felt they had earned the right

05.10.2010 - DAY OF ACTION

Region 7 Plattsburgh

www.pef.org The Communicator June 2010—Page 17

and privilege to continue saluting. Others did not, because they did not want to violate what was drilled into them as active service members: That a non-uniformed individual who renders a military salute to the flag dishonors the uniform worn by active service men and women. “This issue heals a divide among

veterans and honors the service provided by them,” Fletcher said.

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