Finding Strength In Shared Experiences

As a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer with a long history with SW:S, Rick Loomis had always dreamed of bringing together a group of fellow photojournalists who had served alongside veterans. Those men and women who embedded themselves with soldiers, sharing the truth of what our veterans experience on the battlefield. They were brothers and sisters, united by their desire to tell the stories of those who couldn’t.

In late September, 2022, SW:S made it happen, hosting the first retreat of its kind comprised totally of photojournalists. The attendees came from all over the world, including one participant from Afghanistan who had taken two days to get there. It was a rare group, made up of some of the most accomplished photojournalists in their field.

For these photojournalists, who often work in isolation and as competitors, the retreat was a reminder that they have a support network. It was a chance to connect with others who understood their struggles and to find comfort in the fact that they were not alone.

During the retreat, photojournalist Ben Lowy shared, “When you’re a combat photographer, you’re comfortable with the idea that you’re going into a warzone.” Along with the horrors he witnessed and photographed, having a career that was dependent on conflict and tragedy kept him up at night.

It was a sentiment that many of the photojournalists could relate to. They were drawn to conflict zones because they believed that their work could make a difference, that their images could bring attention to the plight of those affected by war, tragedy, and conflict. But it was a double-edged sword.

As the weekend progressed, Ben opened up more about his struggles. “Although I’ve spent time processing my feelings,” he said, “when you put voice and physicality to something, and put it out there, it becomes real. Then you have to confront how it makes you feel.”

One of the songs that came out of this experience was a tribute to 9/11 written by photojournalist Aristide Economopoulos and songwriter Danny Myrick. It was a heartfelt and emotional song in part because Danny had also lost friends in the attack. As he played it for the group, there was not a dry eye in the house. For many of them, it was a reminder of why they do what they do and the sacrifices that they had made to tell the stories of those affected by war and conflict.

As the weekend came to a close, they said their goodbyes, feeling stronger for having had the opportunity to come together in this unique way. The retreat had been a chance to confront their feelings and to find comfort and strength in the support and understanding of others.

Ghosts In My Mind

Aristide Economopoulos / Danny Myrick

8:22 am still hungover from sake
Phone rings beside me
9/11/01 it was 70 and sunny
I started running
Jersey City ferry ride
The moment that I arrived

Raining dust from the sky
Images burned in my eyes
All the photos I’ve taken
Life won’t erase them
Even after all of this time
They still haunt me night after night
Ghosts in my mind

Liberty and Broadway
NYPD said no entry
Maybe that’s what saved me
Beautiful autumn sky suddenly
Angels and ashes loud metal crashing
Funny that I didn’t go far
Found a war zone in my backyard

Raining dust from the sky
Images burned in my eyes
All the photos I’ve taken
Life won’t erase them
Even after all of this time
They still haunt me night after night
Ghosts in my mind

What happened to me
Played like a sad movie
Scene after scene
Sometimes I can’t sleep

Demons are calling
While bodies are falling
And I captured it all

Raining dust from the sky
Images burned in my eyes
All the photos I’ve taken
Life won’t erase them
Even after all of this time
They still haunt me night after night
Ghosts in my mind
They still haunt me night after night
Ghosts in my mind

© 2022 SongwritingWith:Soldiers Music (ASCAP) / Songs of Shady Grove (BMI)