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| “Elmer (and Marine), 2020” |
| Col Craig Streeter |
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Accession Number: CS-2
Original work: Graphite wash, acrylics and Prismacolor pencil on watercolor paper
Original size:
During Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, combat artist Colonel Craig Streeter was embedded with the Marines of Second Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, in September 2014. Pictured are Elmer, a military working dog, and his Marine handler as they pause for a moment during a dismounted patrol through the village of Ludon in Helmand Province. In the artist's words:
"Elmer was a black Labrador retriever, and, based upon my limited observations during the patrol, he appeared to be extremely vigilant, hard-working, and focused on the mission at hand. Despite the harsh, rocky terrain and scorching 110-degree heat, Elmer was always on the move, trotting up and down the formation and all around the Marines, searching for improvised explosive devices and any signs of danger, his nose leading the way. Elmer was the personification of a "happy warrior," and it was clear to see that the Marines of Second Platoon, Bravo Company, loved him. During every lull in the action, Elmer was always the center of attention, receiving plenty of neck scratches (and MRE crackers, too). I'm sure that for many Marines, Elmer was a reminder of a beloved pet who was waiting for them to come home soon from Afghanistan."
According to Marine Corps aviator Craig Streeter, all he wanted to do as a child was draw and follow his father's footsteps into a military career. He did both. Born in 1969, he graduated from Virginia Military Institute and commissioned into the Marine Corps. He applied his artistic talents informally throughout his career and took his first assignment as a combat artist in 2014. Streeter retired in 2021 and is currently the
Associate Director for Honor and Character Development and an adjunct professor in the fine arts program at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.
Reproduction Size:
If not indicated, the average reproduction is approximately 20x26 inches. All reproductions are custom printed and can be printed/framed to various sizes. We are happy to quote various options. Contact Us
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