Picking up from the subject of the Marlboro Man from the previous post, today's story features the image of the other Marlboro Man, sometimes known as the Marlboro Marine.
Taken during the November 2004 battle in Fallujah, Iraq and published in over 150 newspapers in the same month, the photograph above shows Marine Lance Corporal James Blake Miller, tired and bloodied, a newly lit cigarette in his mouth, gazing away from the camera.
The striking photo was taken by photojournalist Luis Sinco who was embedded with Miller's Regiment at that time. They had just secured a house after a long night of intense fire, and Sinco caught Miller momentarily resting against the wall just as the sunrise was peeking over the horizon.
During its initial publication, Miller was showered with praise during his time in Iraq. Today however, it is a sad reminder of the extended and complicated involvement of foreign nations in Iraqi and Afghanistan, and of post traumatic stress disorder.
After being medically discharged after an outburst caused by his condition, Miller had the chance to go to Washington to share his distressing experiences with some US representatives. Amazingly, none of the congressmen were inclined to involve themselves in this cause. As Miller put it, "it was a slap in the face" to find so many elected leaders bearing a polite but apathetic view towards veterans in need of PTSD help.
Miller is now separated from his wife and family, and lives alone.
You can find out more about the Marlboro Marine by reading this Los Angeles Times article or viewing this mini-documentary hosted by Media Storm.
112 comments:
As an army brat....this is just depressing. No wonder my dad doesn't want me following his footsteps. Thanks for the read.
>Miller is now separated from his wife and family, and lives alone.
poor guy D:
very striking indeed. I remember when that came out.
I can't even begin to imagine what he's been through
This is a picture that sure tells a story
It is rather sad how our country treats our veterans. I have quite a few friends who have served. I know one girl who had particularly bad PTSD and tried to get a puppy to help her calm down, as recommended by her specialist. Our University kicked her out of the dorms and tried to expel her from class. She was a good person, but given no respect for what she had been put through.
A fantastic picture though.
I think I remember seeing this photo around in the paper,
Powerful image and a very sad story
I hadn't seen that photo before. Definitely see the appeal, and a sad story to go with it. :/
Very powerful photo
I won't go into detail, but I've seen through his eyes as well.
That thousand yard stare is really striking. War photography is certainly a haunting but interesting field.
Amazing photograph! His eyes tell more than a thousand words could.
That's an amazing picture!
That's a real sad story. That mile long stare speaks volumes.
A photo is worth a thousand words indeed. Lots of back story to the photo.
sucks man, never want to go to war
reminds me that war sucks
Very striking photograph.
That's a classic photo.
It looks badass and rebellious.
I like it.
:D
I used to live at Camp Lejeune N.C, and met many Marines suffering from PTSD. It's very disheartening to think about.
cop killa!
'Does the first comments dance'
I never heard of this guy. Yes PTSD and polite apathy go hand in hand.
God I love a bunch of old men getting together to chat about amending something that doesn't need amending
Go tax dollars!
Thanks for the doc link. These guys are the real deal.
Malboro man is epic.
it must be hell.
A sad story, I wish we cared more about mental health in this country.
150 newpapers publishments in one month? Bet he earned quite the bit from it.
I hope things work out well for him.
Such a manly man...cigarettes will do that.
A truly great picture but a very sad story.
anyone who smokes a cig after some killn wins
Great shot and interesting (and sad) backstory.
Just so sad what happened to him.
why is he separated from everyone and lives alone? I do kind of wonder how real this photo is, or if it was just made up.
This is a really striking image...
What a sad story and what an incredible image.
Such a great photo. But didn't knew the story behind it, thx!
This is patriotic,
Fighting for flag and country
I took a visual rhetoric course in college, and this was one of the first photographs we discussed. It's probably one of the most iconic images of the Iraq war
interesting
Reminds me how hard our soldiers have to work, so that we can have a peaceful night of sleep... I SALUTE to these brave men!
What a sad story. That photo is surely means countless words.
Sad story. I can't imagine how devastating PTSD is - I hope I never have to suffer it.
I always wanted to join the navy, maybe I should think twice before making my decision...
Sad story. Intense picture. Looks like he needed that cigarette.
Very cool blog man love what your doing so far will def follow you and comment everyday. I was hoping you could do the same for me.
European army brat here. Goverments ignoring the problem of PTSD isn't just an american problem.
This is a moving story indeed.
More people that have seen and been involved in war should have more support, they shouldn't be pushed aside and forgotten about.
You can just barely see the leftovers of face paint. Epic photo.
badass looking guy, doubt he's happy in that photo, though...
I've heard that war is hell. Nice picture, though.
It's a nice photo, but I still don't like smokers! It's gross! :P
A very powerful image.
Damn, this is hella sad....I can't even make a joke about this one and I have the largest "asshole" bone in my body.
He's this day and age's Marlboro Man!
very sad story...
Humans are not meant for long battles, and terrorist action. The psyche breaks and its hard for one to adapt into society
A sad story, I'm sorry to hear how it turned out, makes me feel sick that the same officials that denied him help are the same people who sent him to war.
fantastic photo
Very sad.
Elected leaders don't care about vets with PTSD it seems... sad to see after the sacrifice they gave.
He looks absolutely exhausted...poor guy.
wow I'll never join the war ever, even more after reading this story. It's messed up how America can do that to their soldiers
awesome photo
poor guy
Terribly sad story, really hope things work out for him. Sucks what war does to people, I guess that's why nobody wins.
Nice picture!
I'd never seen this photo, really impressed by it. I think I like it even better than the old classic cowboy.
sick photo!
Photography looks nice, but i dont like malrboro :)
ouch what a sad story :(
This one is much better than the last. This picture actually tells a good story.
damn that photo is good. I haven´t see it before, thanks for posting.
He seems totally worn out, a sad story.
Wow! Really cool photo, very interesting post.
wow awesome shot
What a story =/ That's sad.
Politicians do not give a shit. They will do whatever is needed to get votes. It does not matter how many get hurt, so long as they get their votes...
And yeah, the backstory is kinda sad.
Well that was pretty killer. Sad story though.
looks like he´s having fun! Join the military kids^^
A classic photo, but I had no idea about the background. A very sad thing. I have a brother that just got back from the rangers after, and I quote, "having been blown up one too many times". :/
Poor guy :C
amazing picture!
Why couldn't this be the picture prompt in standardized tests growing up? I could write a book using this picture as inspiration
This is prob your best post yet lol good job!
what a blog...
+1 follower
its a bit sad.
wow...
Being a photographer always awakens the morals. When people are drowning, what do you do?
You take a photograph that's going to be in the newspapers and a very unique picture+profit or you'll throw your camera away and save them, losing your camera and money but with the right heart
quality stuff.
Yeah great pic though
Now sure how I feel about that photo. Engrossing image; disturbing reality.
It doesn't help that he looks like someone I know.
Think this is bad, should check out what the guys went through in World War 2.
very intense! Great photo! :-)
oh wow, really liking your blog! amazing shots
They should just end the war ;/
awesome photo
Wow, the face of war close up, sad story
impresionante
It's sad because politicians will only care about wars when they have a personal stake in it. Once that passes, they move on to other things.
downer...total downer =/
Wow, I forgot how long it's been..since 2004. Sad. :( And that's depressing about what happened with him and his family.
Thats an intense pic for sure.
I don't know how I missed this but this is incredible
Very powerful stuff!
wow, i had seen the photo, never heard the backstory though
For more of Luis Sinco's work, visit the LATimes (http://framework.latimes.com/search/Luis+Sinco).
IMO, his work is beyond what others do. Be sure to check out the Libya photos and the articles/blog entries he wrote during his time there.
@Morgaine: thanks! will definitely look for more of Sinco's work. :D
like it!
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