Charles Hedspeth last wore his Army uniform nearly 50 years ago, following a tour in Vietnam.
The Puxico, Mo., veteran donned his Class A uniform again for Patriot Pictures Day at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center.
The event held Sept. 16 celebrated veterans by snapping photographs of the men and women in uniform and with family, or even playing a few tunes on a favorite banjo.
Fun and light-hearted, it provided professional photographs for some veterans who said they haven't had this opportunity before.
Pictures help tell the story of our lives, said VA organizers.
"We kept hearing about veterans who had few or no photographs of themselves," stated Dr. Patricia Hall, medical center director. "They wanted something to share with family; something that would help start a conversation about their service. Some of our Community Living Center (nursing home) Veterans wanted a photograph to decorate their rooms. So, we decided to see if we could help."
Hedspeth is a Purple Heart recipient who went at the urging of his wife and children.
"I'm very glad I did - the whole thing turned out really well," said Hedspeth, who found his Class As were still a good fit as he stood in front of flags for the United States and Army.
Navy veterans Tony and Charlene Stevenson didn't bring out uniforms, but both wore smiles in photographs with the flag of their branch of service.
The couple met while serving in Japan together.
"The Stars and Stripes was big over there; that's why we came today," said Tony Stevenson.
"I have wonderful memories of my time in the service," Charlene Stevenson added.
Brothers Jack, Jim and Jerry Smith represented three different branches of the service in their photo, Navy, Air Force and Army respectively. Jack and Jim Smith live in Williamsville, Mo., while Jerry Smith resides in Poplar Bluff.
"I think this is very nice," said Jack Smith, a self-described "highly satisfied" VA patient. "The staff have been very helpful, the pictures turned out really well, and I've enjoyed visiting with other veterans while we waited our turn. Everyone who attended really seemed happy with the event. It was nice of the VA to put this together."
The nearby Stars and Stripes Museum near Bloomfield, Mo., has expressed an interest in developing a special exhibit using the photographs.
The pictures were taken by Poplar Bluff photographer Paul Davis, who is also the photographer for the Daily American Republic.
Pictures were printed immediately and provided to veterans at no charge.
Jimmy Hailey, a 20-year Marine Corps veteran who lives at the medical center, entertained his comrades with banjo music while they waited.
"I thought it was nice and I enjoyed it," said Hailey of the experience, commenting that his sister really liked the picture because it reminded her of their dad.
"And it does," he agreed.
Veterans like Willie Moss hope this event, which was held for the first time, will be brought back to the VA again in the future.
"I loved it," he said. "I was showing it (my photo) to everyone. I thought this was a great thing to do."
VA staff enjoyed the experience as well, said Hall.
"We wanted to help our veterans have a physical reminder that celebrates their service, something they can show to friends and family, and display in their homes," said Hall.