TAMPA, Fla. — Capturing the soul of the Medal of Honor. Vietnam War veteran Gary Beikirch embodies it.
- Gary Beikirch among those being honored
- Photographer Ryan Joseph "couldn't think of a bigger honor"
- Portraits will go on wall at Tampa Haley VA Hospital
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"Every time I put that around my neck, I have to tell myself this is not about me," Beikirch said.
Wednesday, Beikirch wore the nation's highest military award for valor tucked below a bow tie and prepped for a special photo-shoot. Beikirch is one of 46 Medal of Honor recipients in Tampa for an annual convention. This week, each recipient will pose for an heirloom portrait with Bay area photographer Ryan Joseph.
"When I get them in front of my camera, I don't have to do a whole lot," Joseph said. "I just let them be who they are."
Through the lens comes the sacrifice, the service and the honor.
Beikirch is a war hero.
In Vietnam, surrounded by enemy fire, the special forces medic saved lives, even after being shot three times.
"I continued because that was my job," Beikirch said. "That was my duty."
His heroic actions were the image behind the pictures Wednesday.
Joseph is using the snapshots to create a fine arts portrait.
"I couldn't think of a bigger honor, quite honestly," Joseph said.
And while there were no celebratory signatures or photographs when Beikirch returned from Vietnam, the 72-year-old is honored by the photo shoot and community support.
"It's a humbling experience, something I hope I never get used to," Beikirch said.
Each medal of honor recipient will get a portrait to take home.
A second portrait will go on the wall at the Tampa Haley VA Hospital.