Goddard's photo project helps soldiers connect

Soldiers sacrifice so much more than civilians will ever understand, often spending months or years away from home. When they cannot be in the comforts of home, the second best thing is for the comforts of home to be with them. This is precisely what sparked Jackson photographer Stephanie Goddard's Glimpse of Home project.

Glimpse of Home began four years ago when Goddard's friend and neighbor was killed in Afghanistan. She began sending soldiers care packages, which included such things as literature, candy and, the heart of her project, photographs.

These photos, which she takes free of charge, are images of loved ones and special landmarks from back home. For example, for one soldier from Cape Girardeau, Will Reynolds, she photographed his wife and baby girl, as well as places that were special to him: Broussard's, the riverfront, his fraternity house at Southeast Missouri State University.

It's such a creative way to help our servicemen and servicewomen connect to home while being so many miles away. When soldiers cannot hold their children in their arms, they at least can hold a photograph. When they cannot enjoy a night out at their favorite restaurant as can the rest of us, they can enjoy an image of it. It's a far cry from home, yes, but it provides a glimpse of that home that's near to their hearts.

"I wanted it to be something that they could have with them at all times if they wanted it," Goddard told the Southeast Missourian. "I started it just as a service to our military, because they're there and I'm not."

Her biggest challenge, she said, is getting the word out to deployed soldiers' families, but she's found social media to be an effective tool. She desires to be as effective as possible and to serve more soldiers because it makes a difference. If ever she doubted that, the doubt was put to rest upon receiving a letter from a soldier who said that "he was in a very dark time and [the photograph collection] got him through because it reminded him what he was fighting for."

A special thank you goes to Goddard, and her creative generosity. Please spread the word about this worthwhile service to our servicemen and servicewomen so more of our heroes reap the benefits of Goddard's project.