WHILE U.S. FORCES left Iraq for
neighboring Kuwait more than six
months ago, 88,000 Americans remain
fighting the divisive and bloody war
in Afghanistan, where the more things
change the more they stay the same.
There, the Taliban retains more influence than the ostensible government,
peace talks have collapsed and civilian and military casualties continue
to mount. Against this grim backdrop,
photojournalist John D. McHugh sees
the courage, resilience and enduring
spirit of our fighting men. Even after
being wounded in 2007, McHugh has
returned again and again to embed
with both U.S. and Afghan troops,
bearing witness to their more mundane routines as well as the dangers
they face. This portfolio, shot last
November in and around Gowerdesh,
near the northeastern province of Kunar, showcases both extremes. Yes,
McHugh shows us the stark, perilous
side, whether it’s a sniper checking
his ammunition or a soldier huddling
in a sandbagged bunker. But he also
reminds us of the commonality of life
even in the most dangerous surroundings, with shots of troops gathered
around a fire, chopping wood, making
bread, sharing a meal. As we approach
July 4, McHugh’s photographs are a
fittingly mindful tribute.
Above: Cpt. Michael Bradner talks with a member of the Afghan National Army
before getting picked up for an air assault by Chinook helicopters.