The problem with the 2 wars we’re fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan isn’t that they are the longest in American history. It’s that they have cost the vast majority of us so little– and a few of us so terribly much. It’s this inequity that breaks Kaziah Hancock’s heart and has every day since Spring 2003, when she heard about the first death of a soldier from her home state of Utah.
James Kiehl, U.S. Army
And every day since, she has picked up her brushes and furiously thrown some paint at her grief.
Bert E. Hoyer, U.S. Army
The result is Project Compassion — 800 portraits of the fallen by Kaziah herself, and 2500 in total from a group of artists she’s gathered to give something precious back to every American family whose loved one has given the last full measure of devotion. With every portrait she sends out, she’s bringing an American soldier killed in Iraq and Afghanistan back home again.
Living alone on her high desert farm with 15 mama goats and 30 kids, Kaziah is salty, eccentric and irreverent — tough as a sailor and tender as rain. Her own father died in World War I, one week before she was born. “I know what it’s like to grow up without a daddy,” she says. “I don’t give a rat’s rear about politics, or how much time it takes to get this done. I’m focused, and I love every minute I get to spend with these guys.”
Demarkus D. Brown, United States Marine Corps
My $100 today goes to Project Compassion to buy 3 frames that will hold the portraits of the fallen. It’s my privilege to support Kaziah’s work and I hope that every father, mother, sister and brother who will never have to receive Kaziah’s terrible, beautiful gift of remembrance might choose to do the same. Click here to donate.
What Gives 
Another great post Betty. Thank you Kaziah Hancock!
It’s so encouraging to know that we aren’t all selfish, that there are thoughtful, talented, kind people like Kaziah living in this country.
I watched, and I cried…
I also couldn’t get either of those links to work, I wonder if they just work in the US?
but thanks Betty,
-jan-
Hi Jan & John — the links work here… I wonder why they don’t work abroad?? Hmm, if you search for Hero Paintings or Kaziah Hancock, that should get you there! Thanks for reading!!
Hi! I am “Kaziah’s assistant” and “Project Compassion’s secretary”! I have seen this video clip at least a dozen times and I still cry when I see it! There are more videos on Kaziah at http://www.heropaintings.com and click on the “Media” link at the top!
Thanks Betty for a “Great Job” on this story!
I know I’ll always cry at this video … I just cannot bear to see the faces of those parents and think of their loss. It just is such a great gift that Kaziah is giving to these grief=filled parents. Truly monumental.
I did cry.
Thank you. This was wonderful.
lost the dare. Yet another wonderful thing you’ve found to share and give to – pretty amazing.
I’m very moved. thank you
Oh Betty, this one is wonderful. What an incredibly talented, selfless woman. Thank you for this story about Kaziah Hancock. Wow.