During my deployment to Kuwait in 2012, art became my refuge. What started with a single painting—my first sale in that distant land—quickly blossomed into something much more. My creations, capturing serene lakes, picturesque beaches, and abstract faces, struck a chord with my fellow soldiers. Each piece offered a glimpse of home, resonating deeply with those of us far from familiar places. The organic growth in demand for my paintings and the custom requests I gladly accepted revealed that my art was not just a personal escape; it was a shared experience that connected us to our roots and each other. Saying "yes" to those requests was a way to validate and celebrate our collective bond, reminding us of the home we all held dear.