As an update to my recent studio session with Jack and Veltze – Jason Palomar commissioned into the United States Army as an Officer to the Infantry division.

Jack has made a lot of friends in his time at San Diego State’s Army ROTC program but Palomar’s story is powerful. He’s always wanted to join the Army for a personal cause but also because many people told him he couldn’t and that he wasn’t cut out for it. Along the way many people have doubted him and even told him flat out that he wasn’t Officer material. Palomar took that not as an insult, but a personal challenge to give his best and to be a top notch teammate and brother in arms. He rose to the occasion by dropping over 65lbs in his first year as a cadet, improving his physical fitness scores and learning about what it took to be in the Army.

2 weeks ago: Jack, Palomar and Veltze, along with their peers became Officers in a ceremony captured by Pete Ulatan – seen here and below. It was a breathtaking event and I’m so glad that Pete got the amazing shots that he did. I don’t think I could have shot that event with such energy and beauty as he did.

Photo by Pete Ulatan

I am very proud to call these men my friends and it was an honor to shoot them in their uniform. Enjoy the photos.