National 9/11 Veterans Art Competition - Overall Winner and Finalists in Visual Arts!

Overall Winner: U.S. Army Veteran, Jason Turner

Title of Piece: Mindful

Artist Biography: An Army veteran with over 20+ years of art experience. Jason utilizes art as an outlet and coping mechanism.

Meaning behind work: This piece was completed in remembrance of the personal loss of my brother as well as my brothers/sisters in arms and friends lost while serving during 9/11 and after. Their memories continue to flood my thoughts. I wanted to create an image that signified that. That period of my life will always weigh heavily on me. However, there's always someone thinking about you and they have your 6.

Finalist: U.S. Marine Corps and USMCFR Veteran, David W. Gould

Title of Piece: 911

Artist Biography: Born in Norwich, NY on December 19, 1941, the son of the late Arthur Wesley Gould and Mildred Alma (Leighton) Gould.  Graduate of Norwich High School (’59) after attending Boston Latin School, Boston, MA. Attended the Sullivan School, Washington, DC and received a principal appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy from Vice President Richard M. Nixon.

Received a BS degree in Naval Science upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1964 (22nd Co.) and commissioned a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps.  Attended the Basic School at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA and the Naval Air Training Command at Naval Air Stations Pensacola, FL (T-34), Meridian, MS (T-2A), and Kingsville, TX (TF-9), where upon completion of flight training, was designated a Naval Aviator.

Reported to VMFA-312, MCAS Beaufort, SC to fly the F-4 Phantom II.  During a 1967/68 tour in the Republic of Vietnam, flew 145 combat missions with VMFA-314, Chu Lai, and VMFA-122, Danang, and served as the Air Liaison Officer of the 3rd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment.  Returning from Vietnam, reported to Station Operations and Engineering Squadron (T-28, US-2B, C-54), MCAF, Quantico, VA. Resigned from active duty in January 1970 and accepted a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.  Initially served with VMR-234 (C-119), NAS Glenview, IL.  From February 1971 to November 1972, served with VMA-322 (A-4), NAS South Weymouth, MA.  From December 1972 to January 1985, while assigned to VMFA- 321 (F-8, T-33, F-4), NAF Andrews, Washington, DC, billets included; Squadron NATOPS Officer, Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Operations Officer, Executive Officer, and Commanding Officer of the VMFA-321 “Hell’s Angels”. 

Completed the Basic Landing Force Aviation Staff Planning Course at NAB Coronado, CA in August 1976, the “Top Gun” Course at Naval Fighter Weapons School, NAS Miramar, CA in October 1978, the Aviation Safety Command Course, NPGS Monterrey, CA in August 1983, and the Reserve Components National Security Course, Vandenberg AFB, CA in November 1986.

Decorations include the Air Medal (11 awards), the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Organized Marine Corps Reserve Medal (1 star), the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal (4 stars), the USMC Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (bronze star), the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.  Flew over 3,200 hours in the F-4 Phantom II, F-8 Crusader, A-4 Skyhawk, and other transport and trainer aircraft.  Retired from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve at the rank of Colonel in 1987.

In 1970, joined Eastern Air Lines following a furlough from Northwest Airlines.  As a Second Officer and First Officer, flew the L188, B727, and DC9 aircraft.  17 years later, with Eastern in turmoil and approaching bankruptcy, commenced a new start with American Airlines.  Flew the B727, MD80, B757, B767, and B737 aircraft.  Served as a union domicile representative and vice president of the Allied Pilots Association.  On December 18, 2001, retired as a B737-800 Captain having flown over 16,000 hours.

After retirement, studied visual art at Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, MD, from 2004 thru 2009. Hobbies are painting landscapes and portraits in oil and flying radio control model aircraft.  Served as a club officer for the Chesapeake Bay Radio Control Club, MD and the Wilmington Model Flying Club, NC.  In 2013, settled in Porters Neck Plantation, Wilmington, NC.

Life member of the Military Officers Association of America and the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association. Member of the Marine Corps Aviation Association, Association of Naval Aviation, North Carolina Cape Fear Chapter of the USNA Alumni Association, ILM Hangar Quiet Birdmen, and the St. Therese Council 12885 Knights of Columbus.

Married Deidre Ann Carlson on May 1, 1965 at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, DC. We have a daughter, Paige Elizabeth (Mark) Brumit, of Decatur, IL, a son, David Wesley Gould Jr., of Wilmington, NC and three grandchildren, Marayah Elizabeth Gould, Ani Leighton Gould and Reeve Elizabeth Brumit.

Meaning behind work: Personal experience. Capt. of AA flight 771 on 9/11. Incorporates messages received from company dispatch as attacks were taking place.

Finalist: U.S. Army Veteran, Sariah A. Gaunt

Title of Piece: Honor
Artist Biography: This piece means a lot to me as a Service Member and as someone who has had family in several branches. It’s a tribute to all the friends and family I’ve had who served and who are now gone.

Meaning behind work: As soon as I saw the prompt “Standing United” I thought of painting this piece. As each branch and first responder on this painting literally together saluting, swearing, in bowing their head in honor or fighting for our country. The casket for the friends and family we’ve lost. The honor of serving our country together, fighting together brings us a whole new family where we stand together. Standing United in honor of the legacy of those who’ve come before and to inspire generations who will stand together in the future.

Finalist: U.S. Navy Veteran, Stephanie Meckler

Title of Piece: Will Always Defend

Artist Biography: Born and raised in Concord California. Served in the US Navy from 2001-2005 and the Naval Reserves from 2005- 2007. I’ve earned a Sociology degree and became a Park Ranger for the National Park Service at Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial. We relocated to Foresthill, California where I began my journey with oil paints. I absolutely love working with oil paints, especially since my teacher was spending countless hours watching Bob Ross episodes. Art heals me. I’ve found solitude in painting. To quote Bob Ross”We don’t make mistakes, just happy accidents”. I feel that rings true with everything in life, and painting has shown me, you never make a mistake. 

Meaning behind work: I was honored to walk with the VFW flag for our 4th of July parade, alongside our American flag as well as the Armed Forces flags. This gave me the inspiration of how we’re all proud to have served together and will continue to serve our country as Americans. I joined the Navy right before 9/11, I watched the towers fall while in Virginia as a new sailor with no understanding of what it actually meant. As the years passed, the wars being fought, I worked with all of our branches. Together, we will always defend our nation. As our first responders fight every day to protect my home, my nation and our society. They will defend our health, our safety and our lives. Always. Together, Armed Forces and First Responders, fight to defend our well being and safety as Americans.

Finalist: U.S. Air Force Veteran, Gary "KOG" Walker

Title of Piece: Fire and Ice

Artist Biography: Gary Walker, Founder of Monkey Brain Art,  has experienced the benefits of the healing practice of art, meditation, and mindfulness to combat the trauma of PTSD. He has traveled the journey of the unsettled mind, and continues to use these techniques to treat his own trauma. 

Gary, a Disabled United States Air Force Veteran and artist, practices art to quiet his crushing anxiety and depression. Bring a blend of art and meditation techniques that will assist in unlocking new ways to cope with restless minds and spirits associated with PTSD.

His passion for Art mixed with his concern for his fellow Brothers and Sisters who served will be his legacy.

Meaning behind work: It is a commentary on the adrenalin of going from calm to the heat of battle and the trauma that is experienced from one extreme to another.

On the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, national Veteran nonprofits Operation Gratitude, Challenge America, and the National Veterans Art Museum, invited Veteran artists to recognize the service and sacrifice of first responders, active-duty service members and Veterans by participating in the National 9/11 Veterans Art Competition. 

The art competition honored the memory of all those who gave their lives on 9/11 and after. By sharing your time and talent with these brave men and women in uniform, we revealed the selfless courage, generosity and mutual respect that bound us together as Americans at this historic moment in our nation’s history.  

It is out of a spirit of service and gratitude, we called on Veteran artists to celebrate our nation’s military and first responder heroes with an invitation to join us by submitting 2D art and/or poetry reflecting the theme “Standing United.”

On September 11, we will offer millions of grateful Americans the opportunity to write personal messages of thanks on postcards featuring the winning Veteran artworks. In addition, selected artists will receive the opportunity to display their artwork in the National Veterans Art Museum.

Are you a Veteran interested in the creative arts? CLICK HERE to join our amazing and vibrant CAVARTS community!