When Mikel Conrad watched his uncle break down in tears after putting on a replica Army jacket for his 80th birthday, he saw far more than a piece of fabric. He saw decades of unspoken pride, deep-rooted friendships, and a chapter of youth that time could never erase. It was a pivotal moment for the longtime Henderson photographer: the realization that the living histories walking among us can slip away quietly if we don’t take the time to preserve them.
That single moment fueled a passion project that quickly grew into a Valley-wide mission. Timed alongside America’s 250th anniversary, Mikel set out to look past ranks and branch insignias, focusing instead on the human spirit behind the uniform. Armed with his camera and an open heart, the owner of Mikel’s Photography & Design sat face-to-face with local heroes—from Omaha Beach D-Day veteran Onofrio “Nono” Zicari to tireless advocates with Honor Flight Southern Nevada.
What started as an effort to capture portraits evolved into “250 Faces of Service & Sacrifice,” an emotionally charged collection that ultimately grew to 287 stories, a traveling exhibition, and a commemorative book. Sitting with these men and women, Mikel witnessed a remarkable, shared humility: individuals who lived through extraordinary history yet insisted they were "just doing a job."
As you look at these powerful faces, Mikel’s hope is that gratitude gives way to action. These aren't just striking portraits; they are our neighbors, grandfathers, mothers, and friends whose sacrifices shaped our community, reminding us to learn from them, cherish their journeys, and capture their living histories today. Let their eyes remind us to ask our own loved ones the hard questions, to listen closely, and to write down their stories—because while every photograph eventually becomes history, the soul of the story depends on us.
To explore these and other veteran stories, or to order the book, visit 250Faces.com.