NORMAN — With the Iraq War still raging and more and more U.S. troops not returning, some people at home are finding ways to show support for the troops.
Ken Younkin of Norman was looking for something to do when he came across an article, "Portrait Freedom Underway” in one of his woodcutting magazines.
"Portrait Freedom Underway” is made up of members of the MSN Scroll Saw Portraits group who are creating custom wooden portraits of every U.S. service member that has died during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. The portraits are donated to their families.
There is no charge to the family requesting a portrait.
The Scroll Saw Portrait Freedom Project group includes scroll saw artists and hobbyists from across the U.S.
The finished portrait is posted on the Internet and once it is approved by a moderator, the cutter is notified that the portrait can be sent to the family. Several quality control measures ensure the family receives a quality product.
All labor, materials and shipping are donated.
Their biggest challenge right now is contacting family members and getting photographs to work with, he said.
Younkin was able to do one of Oklahoma Marine Scott Vincent. He has wanted to cut a portrait of an Oklahoman since he began the project. More than 750 portraits have been cut, but only 10 of the 62 deceased Oklahoma troops have been memorialized so far.
"This has been one of the most satisfying endeavors I have ever had the opportunity to do,” Younkin said. "I believe that all the members of Portrait Freedom have a common interest in wanting to honor the memory our fallen military service members and recognize the sacrifice each soldier's family has made.”
For more information, send an e-mail to PortraitFreedom@hotmail.com
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