Captain R. Van

Reinetta Van explores identity and historical perspective issues in hybrid forms. Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in The War Horse and Wrath-Bearing Tree, plus anthologies Sisters in Arms: Lessons We’ve Learned and Things We Carry Still: Poems and Micro-Stories About Military Gear. Contact her at CaptainVanUSNavy@gmail.com to comment or order a copy of Sisters in Arms: Lessons We’ve Learned.

Stacy Pearsall started the Veterans Portrait Project in 2008, inspired by the veterans from every generation and branch of service she encountered at VA waiting rooms during her own rehabilitation from combat injuries in Iraq. She took the first portrait in 2008, then toured the country, shooting portraits of more than 8,500 veterans in all 50 states.

Reflections

‘Where Were You?’–Memories of Sept. 11 Still Surface Through Veteran’s Portrait

by Captain R. Van September 11, 2024January 14, 2026

Sitting for a portrait can be fun. Yet being photographed for the Veterans Portrait Project in the Military Women’s Memorial unnerved me to tears.

In 1974, the U.S. Navy designated its first female naval aviators, four of whom posed for a photograph during their flight instruction. Pictured left to right are Ensign Rosemary Conaster, Ensign Jane Skiles, Lt. (junior grade) Barbara Allen, and Lt. (junior grade) Judith Neuffer. Allen, the first to receive her wings, was killed in a training accident in 1982. The other three officers pictured eventually retired as captains. Photo courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command.

Reflections

They Were Worried About the Color of Our Bras. We Were Busy Spearheading Change.

by Captain R. Van January 10, 2024September 1, 2024

During a course at Keesler Air Force Base, R. Van was called by an Air Force major to discuss a matter that required “delicacy” involving a girl and a bra.