Kyle Gregory Thomas.
Most people have someone they remember on memorial day. I have many people remember this day, but only one serviceman that I knew well. Kyle, his brother Craig, and his parents were a key element in my life growing up. I won’t go into details here, but you can read my story here if your interested.
Kyle led an extraordinary life, experiencing more in 23 years than most people do in an entire lifetime. He built homes, worked a farm, danced professional ballet, and jumped out of perfectly fine airplanes. A natural born outdoors man, he loved camping, fishing, hunting, and just enjoying the great outdoors. Kyle never met someone he could not call friend, and brought life to those he came into contact with. He was married shortly before he deployed. He is missed to this day, but I take joy in remembering him for his part in making me the man I am today.
Kyle’s obituary can be found here.
Additional websites referencing Kyle:
http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oif/profiles/thomaskyleg.html
http://militarytimes.com/valor/army-spc-kyle-g-thomas/256823/
http://www.cbsnews.com/2316-100_162-3192014-23.html
http://www.libertyunites.tv/tribute_v4856-us+army+kyle+g+thomas.html
Here is a picture collage that was assembled shortly after Kyle’s death using pictures that Kyle had. Inside his helmet on the right picture you can make out the outline of a picture. It is of his wife Cari. (click to enlarge)
Here is today’s picture of the day from his graveside. Kyle is no longer here in soul, he is in heaven. The graveside is simply a place for loved ones to visit and remember those who have left earth before us. God Bless all those who serve in our armed services. We would not have our rights and freedom without their bravery and dedication to service.
camera :: Nikon D7000 | 1/640′s second shutter | ISO 500 | Meter: Spot
lens :: Nikkor 50mm prime 1.8 | set at f/13 | AF-A Auto
flash :: unused
At the Curtis State Office Bulding. Tonight I was trying hard to get today’s flag picture. This one took a very high ISO due to the wind moving the flag around. Its not great… but hey. I stood across the street at the capitol building to get this shot.
camera :: Nikon D7000 | 1/50′s second shutter | ISO 4000 | Meter: Spot
lens :: Nikkor 400mm prime f/5.6 | set at f/5.6 | Manual
flash :: Promaster 7500EDF | Maximum Power
I don’t mind Carny folks or the traveling insta-rides. I do wish they would light up their US flags. These four flags fly high above the carnival grounds, currently on the north lawn of Westridge Mall. I took this shot at about 11:30pm. I was hoping to catch them when the rides and entire show was up and running but ended up leaving work too late.
The only available light was from the parking lights at the mall and my camera mounted Promaster 7500EDF flash. I really wanted to avoid a super steep angle on the flags. I setup about 150 yards SSW of the ride in the mall parking lot and mounted up my 400mm Nikkor lens.
Since it was so dark, and my flash was not going to provide much light to this party, I needed silly long exposure times to soak in some light.
camera :: Nikon D7000 | 3 second shutter | ISO 800 | Meter: Spot
lens :: Nikkor 400mm prime f/5.6 | set at f/5.6 | Manual
flash :: Promaster 7500EDF | Maximum Power
Memorial Day is coming up this weekend. I have decided to do some posts to honor those who serve our country and especially to those who have fallen in our nations service. I have the utmost respect for those who have served in the American armed services around the world.
Memorial Day is about far more than barbeques and back yard party’s. Keep that in mind as we head into this weekend.
The image today is from my sister in law’s BDU Uniform. One of the things I have always wondered was why the flag is backward on the right shoulder. The reason makes perfect sense once I heard it. It dates back to when soldiers would run into battle and into danger with flags leading the charge. Since the star field is always closest to the pole, the stars would always lead the charge.
camera :: Nikon D7000 | 1/100′s second shutter | ISO 400 | Meter: Spot
lens :: Nikkor 50mm prime f/1.8 | set at f/3.5 | Auto Focus
flash :: unused
Being my second day my mind was searching for an object to photograph. I took several candid shots at work, but wanted to avoid my usual goto for this second day. On my way home I stopped at the Summit Woods apartment buildings which sits upon a hill west of Topeka. Few hundred yards to the east is a extraordinary large US Flag behind Wal-mart. I am showing 2 shots so the distance is evident. Sadly, the images show the flag is in need of retirement as it is tattered.
UPDATE: It was good to hear that the Topeka Wal-mart on Wanamaker takes pride in the huge garrison flag they fly. It is replaced annually, more if needed. They change it shortly after the strong March winds die down in the spring. This flag is not supplied or paid for from the corporate offices, this is taken from a local discretionary fund that reflects negatively on the stores P&L, my source said. Good job for the local manager to take care of it. I think it is the largest full-time flown flag in Topeka.
Nikon D7000 | 1/640 | ISO 1600 | 50mm Prime | F16
Nikon D7000 | 1/1250 | ISO 1600 | 400mm Prime | F22
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