Tag: Air Force Base

Posted on

Happy Veteran’s Day

Thank You, Veterans!

Thank you to all those who have served this great nation of ours!

Those of you who have followed my work may already know that I have an ongoing tribute to veterans. I’ve painted portraits of several of our local veterans from the Korean War, Vietnam War and World War II (See portraits below). I planned on doing some more this year, to continue the series, but, the pandemic slowed things down in that regard. Nevertheless, I’d like to thank these veterans and all of the veterans of our military branches for their service and would like to say that I am personally grateful for the liberty their efforts have afforded us all as a people.

With gratitude,

Antonio Romero

Michael O’Flaherty
Jerry Hood
Madison Palmer Jr.
Bennett Traylor
William Butler

The portraits below were commissioned for a poster by the local VA equal opportunity department. The poster was to include veterans of Pacific Islander heritage. The veterans were all stationed at Fairchild AFB, WA

A1C Arcala
SrA Titialli
TSgt Talamoni
Posted on

At the Base Chapel

My wife, Anita and I went to the Chapel at Fairchild Air Force Base this morning and we found a painting Of mine entitled, “Passover Lamb”!
This piece was featured in last year’s Terrain 12 event and has now found a permanent home at Fairchild AFB Chapel! Thank you all for making this happen: Chaplain Bishop, Chaplain Ritter, Fairchild AFB Chapel, congregation and Chapel staff! #TeamFairchild #Terrain Spokane Arts #AdobeDraw

Base Chapel (Fairchild, AFB, WA)
Chapel Reception Area (Fairchild, AFB, WA)
Posted on

Vietnam Veteran: Bennett Traylor, USAF (Ret.)

Bennett Traylor, Digital Portrait

As part of my continuing tribute to Spokane area Veterans, This portrait is to honor my fellow veteran, close personal friend and brother in Christ, Bennett Traylor (Tray).

I met Tray twenty years ago at the Base Chapel at Fairchild Air Force Base after I returned from a deployment.

I’ve continually been impressed with Tray’s willingness to help others, his outgoing personality and cheerful disposition even in adverse situations. I admire him not only for his service to our country, but his ongoing service to our veterans in the community through the VA and also to me personally. This portrait is a small token of my appreciation for all he does! God bless you brother, Tray!

(Presentation Photos: https://romeroartwork.com/2019/12/06/trays-portrait-presentation/)

Veteran Bio:

Name: Bennett Traylor
Service: USAF
Dates Served: December 1971 – January 1992
Rank: MSgt
MOS/AFSC: Civil Engineering
War: Vietnam
Medal: Achievement Medal
Stations:
Sheppard AFB TX; Dyess AFB, TX; Guam; Thailand; Vietnam (Linebacker II – ‘72-‘73); Little Rock AFB, AR; Korea; Travis AFB, CA; Bergstrom AFB, TX; Yokota AB, Japan;
Retired from active duty at Fairchild AFB, WA.

Best part of serving: All the friends made – Enrichment of life.

Worst: Dealing with racist individuals.

If you had to do over again what would you do differently?
I would have volunteered for more overseas assignments and Texas.

What would you say to a young person considering the military?
It’s the best place to grow up to learn about discipline and responsibility.

Tray continues to serve the community and fellow veterans – He currently works at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Facility.

Step-by-step painting process

Video