THE TWENTY-YEAR WAR

Breathtaking. Personal. Raw. The Twenty-Year War photo book is an eye-opening insight into the lives of 71 incredible veterans of the Global War on Terror.

Diving into the experience of American service members fighting in a conflict that has spanned two decades, The Twenty-Year War explores the challenge veterans face reintegrating into a society where less than 1 percent of the American populace has served in the conflict.

The Twenty-Year War is an unflinching look at what it means to serve both in uniform and out. The portraits are explosive, telling, and gritty looks at the authentic life of an American service member.

The veterans featured in The Twenty-Year War open up about their call to service, the sobering reality of combat, their transition post-military, and what it’s like to find their mission again — in life. This book shares stories not often told, including stories of fathers and sons, sisters, brothers, and husbands and wives who served together. The Twenty-Year War is a triumph of the American veteran’s spirit and determination.

American veterans open up about their service, the sobering realities of combat, their transitions post-military, and what it’s like to find purpose and meaning after hanging up their uniform.

United by their service to the nation, and their challenges in transitioning back to civilian life, the veterans give you a unique look into what happens when the paperwork is finalized and a American service member becomes a veteran.

What they’re saying

  • "The Twenty-Year War honors our veterans in a way that is rarely accomplished - by listening. The array of stories and experiences in and out of uniform illustrate how complicated war is, how intricate service can be. Each veteran's voice shines through individually and authentically, so we learn their true story. It is these stories that reveal the soldier's truth of America's war in the Global War on Terror. The raw honesty, depth, and spirit captured by Beau Simmons' stunning portraits elevate this book into a true work of art."

    Emily Compagno, Fox News Anchor

  • "I started reading these stories and soon realized these were the people to my right and left, some in front of me, some behind me, many of whom I never met, but whose persona mirrors so many whom I have. As they ride life's roller coaster, they all share a common bond: leading a life of service to others, helping others by sharing their own experiences so that we may learn and identify ourselves."

    Leroy Petry, Medal of Honor Recipient, Master Sergeant, US Army (Ret)

  • "A riveting collection of deeply personal, unflinching, inspirational vignettes about the extraordinary Americans who served during the post-9/11 era, then transitioned to civilian pursuits in a country seemingly untouched by war. The stories in The Twenty-Year War speak volumes about the courage, selflessness, creativity, and resilience of those who served with enormous distinction over the past twenty years. All Americans should read this book; those who do will conclude, as I have, that the people who raised their right hands and took an oath of service to our country in the years after the 9/11 attacks surely are America's new Greatest Generation."

    David Petraeus, General, US Army (Ret), former Director of the CIA