Sexy Wounded War Veterans Show They’re Confident Enough To Be Hot Models
Michael Stokes, a fine arts photographer in California, takes a bold new approach to veteran portrait photography by taking powerful and sexually charged photos of confident veterans posing proudly with their amputated body parts and prosthetics.
The project began with Alex Minsky, a U.S. Marine whose leg was amputated after suffering a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in 2009. After Minsky set the tone for a confident and proud photoshoot as opposed to a somber one, other veterans began to sign up, leading to a book by Stokes called “Always Loyal.”
“Some people will say to me ‘Oh, this is really helpful to their self-esteem,’ or, ‘You’re making them feel like men again,'” Stokes told MTV. “These guys have come to me very healed and ready to take the world on. I’m not giving them back their confidence. They already have it.”
More info: michaelstokes.net | Facebook | Kickstarter (h/t: aplus, mtv)
“I’m not giving them back their confidence. They already have it”
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Share on FacebookAs an amputee, this post shows me that there's no problem with that :) !!! You can be still hot as hell !!
Of course you can, feel confident and don't forget that you are still you and that's all that matters. Go on, show yourself to the world, live with a free spirit!
Load More Replies...the only thing i find really morbid and repulsive is that they pose with guns o.O
Why? They are trained with guns And various other weapons. Did you stop and think that the meaning behind it was that even though they are physically wounded they are still dedicated to the job they have been trained to do? Showing that they aren't scared of weapons helps assure people about PTSD.
Load More Replies...I don't see what's so disrespectful about admiring attractive, normal human persons and wanting to know whether they're single or not.
Load More Replies...Absolutely beautiful, they are all sexy warriors in my book....total respect
Wonderful photographs of most incredibly beautiful (far beyond physical) people. Kudos to Michael Stokes for providing positive provocative images of courageous people. And double kudos those people for sharing. One only needs to look into their eyes to see it. They're inspirational.
Oh...my...I didn't even realize my jaw dropped till my gum fell in my lap! :) The men are HOT!! The ladies are beautiful. :) Wow...
They've given up so much to serve and protect and they are still giving - giving us the chance to admire them and their beautiful bodies!! R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Beautiful and courageous men and women. Thank you very much for keeping us safe. You are my heroes and heroines! God bless you all! Thank you Mr. Stokes for showing their true strength and beauty!
Michael Stokes is a genius. These photos are so beautiful they brought tears to my eye's. I am so proud of these soldiers and their loyalty to our country. Yes in these photos you see the violence of war and these photos have made it real to anyone that see's them, but they also represent love, courage, strength, loyalty and pride. So I say at ease to all the haters and see the true meaning and beauty of these men and women. American Soldiers, my hero's.
Wonderful project. Kudos to the people who were part of this amazing project. Everyone deserves to feel confident in themselves.
On one side I am glad these people's beauty and courage is being portrayed on the other hand it glorifies and normalizes an ongoing human tragedy of war and maming. Many men and women no doubt are disfigured to the point that they will never be displayed on any calendar as well as many who have lost their lives. People can be sexy, war is horrific
I think it is a wonderful idea making this calendar, thank you to all the soldiers that have fought endlessly for our Country and thank you for sharing a part of your healing with the rest of us...now where do I get a calendar...?
But it's not a calendar. I've seen that comment several times, so I went back and read again, and this is a BOOK not a calendar. Would be a nice one, though!
Load More Replies..."Si vis pacem, para bellum" or for you, since you probably have no clue of Latin meanings, "If you want peace, prepare for war". Bullies are everywhere, at the personal and national levels. I wouldn't back down to a bully personally, I would fight them, and the same goes for my country. I joined the Air Force when I was 18 when we weren't in a hot war, it was the Cold War then and the Russians thought they could rule the world. And a******s like you made them think they would succeed in dominating this country. Since they were defeated, a lot of other bullies have popped up with other ideologies but the same idea of dominating the world. What are you going to do, just lay there and take it? These warriors said no, and I respect them for it!
Load More Replies...Wondering if only white men have been maimed in these wars and why, as a nonwhite military person i am always put in the position of poonting this out..
Well, yeah, and I was wondering about any who are not in the best body shape, who are overweight and/or disfigured . . . I guess it was his project and this is how he decided to present it, so it's open now for another photographer to work on with other people!
Load More Replies...Seriously people? My brother is a Marine. He felt like it was his duty to go and protect his family and his country. There has been war for centuries. Nothing new. I don't like war one bit but if that's what my brother chose to do I support him 100%. There are so many other things in this world to worry about then bitching about nothing. These men and women are hero's. If you can't see that then something is wrong. It saddens me that more people aren't supportive of our military. They are out there fighting for YOUR FREEDOM! My brother and brother in law are out there fighting for you to have your rights. Be gratefu!
It takes alot to stand tall after such life altering incidents and its truly commendable. Hats off to these men n women for looking way more sexy than any super model.
It's more about how terrifying war is. All these beatiful man's and woman's bodies shall do not be distructed this way.
These pictures are flat out amazingly beautiful! The body is a wonderful thing and these veterans have sacrificed parts of theirs for our freedom. Their strength and confidence is inspirational for us all.
M.STOKES IS ABSOLUTLY AWESOME...Captures the beauty and confidence in these photographs.
Someone told me this calendar was filled with Vets with disabilities, WHAT DISABILITIES??CAN THEY NOT READ? BAD AT MATH? DYSLEXIA? BECAUSE THERE ISN'T ONE OF THEM THAT I WOULD KUCK OUTTA BED FOR EATING CRACKERS!!! DAMMMMMMMIT BOYS
Wow, sexy... I need these hot guys in my calendar.. so sexy, so confident, so powerful.. All I see is strength.
It's a beautiful thing...in the not so distant past when soldiers came home from combat with missing limbs society looked beyond them so as to make them feel invisible and sorely devalued. As far as posing with weaponry...look at the juxtapositioning, while these folks lost a part of their physical being, the warrior spirit endures.
THESE VETS WERE HANDLING GUNS WHEN THEIR LIVES WERE CHANGED, GOD BLESS THEM FOR HAVING THE COURAGE TO SHOW US THEIR CONFIDENCE, SCARS, AND SHOW THE WORLD WHAT WAR IS ON ALL SIDES OF A PERSON. BEFORE AND AFTER THEIR LIVES WERE CHANGED FOREVER.
out of all of them 11 of them didn't have a gun beside you have to look pass it and see the beauty of how they stood proud the body is still beautiful no matter what life sends you.
Amazing pictures, please make a calendar. My husband and I would buy the calendar to support those who are true heroes. We owe these people our support and respect....at the very least
These are for a Calender, Contact Michael Stokes Photography for more info on the Calendar!
Load More Replies...I admire their bravery now and in the past, and artistic and high quality as the photographs are, it really breaks my heart to see what they have sacrificed for a grateful country which, sadly, has a very ungrateful government. Shame on the lazy and insensitive, and irresponsible, excuses for statesmen in DC. You should have such bravery to support our troops and defend our country and its Constitution.
I would buy this calender ..these people are so very brave ,the sacrifice the struggles of their wounds forever ... I'm deeply grateful for their sacrifice... And so inspired by their courage!
I can't believe how many people just don't get it at all. If you've never seen a war, been in a war or have had a friend or family member in a war, why are you even talking? Keep your pitiful whining to yourself. These people are heroes and deserve nothing but respect.
I have been in a war ,,, a true one It's never the right thing ,, war makers are never good people ..
Load More Replies...14 pictures and not one shot of a person of color? i find that horribly disturbing. sure these guys and ladies are sexy, but i don't think they represent the major of the armed forces.
Any veteran I've ever met who's injured would jump at the chance to go back across the pond and kill more jihadists. Without a second thought. They lost limbs, but their friends have lost their lives and they feel an obligation to their country who IS in danger and to protect their loved ones living blissed lives here on U.S. soil. I love that it shows them with guns and cigarettes if that what's real for them. It's their prerogative if they want to smoke and pose with guns.
@babel who are you to judge another person's art? Another person's life? You don't know the hardships they've faced and from the sounds of it you know nothing of pride... Not for your country and certainly not for yourself. American soldiers do not start wars nor do they take pleasure in but when called to duty it's our job, our families and our lives were protecting. We may not start trouble bit we darn sure finish it. HOOAH!
Load More Replies...The one on the ropes makes me think of Jesus very emotive extremely good,the guns were part of their life as the heading says ex veterans so they are not repulsive when in the right hands.The cigarette only in one pose does spoil that picture the sexiness and power is lost by it.9.9/10.
It's sad that they are hurt of weapons and make photos who represent the harm of violence and guns..this is not art for me. War is sick !
Art is not always about what is pretty or good. Art conveys messages that can be interpreted differently by different people. To me, people kill people. Guns don't kill people by themselves. Guns made them amputated. So without guns they wouldn't be their current selves. For me, the fact that these veterans pose with guns shows that they have accepted their past and themselves as is now. This is a tremendous feat and that's why i think that they are proud of posing with the guns.
Load More Replies...The men photographed here are all way way out of my league - but a guy can dream, can't he?
Loveeee 🌷 I hope that there has been healing & love given and received to or by each of you- that no matter the case, you’ve searched for recovery mentally and physically & that not just someone else - but YOU have loved yourself as you are.
As a female amputee I support this 100 percent. I even did a boudoir shoot. Our bodies are resilent and should be shown off.
I wonder if that was worth it....do not mean participating in the session but going to war...it's XXI century and world powers continue using ordinary men and women to sort out their politics by means of war - for what - fighting terrorism that they previously bring to life themselves simply to justify their further steps against it? Well, its oil, natural resources, new weaponry system test and all the patriotic stuff that follows so hell - it's worth it!:)) who cares about hundreds of thousands of wounded and killed civilians, little children, war atrocities, large populatons movements etc. certainly not the ordinary elector driving his car powered by gasoline obtained from oil taken from Middle East as a payment for the "democracy" brought there about by the "western states"...hahha people, open your eyes...
I love being able to look at fellow amputees who aren't ashamed by their disability.
They are sexy and still amazing men I admire them for what they have done for us and will thank them everyday.
These post are awesome their confidence is amazing I wish more veterans could find theirs they are still men and special in their choice to serve and that alone make them super HEROS then to poise and encourage others that is GREAT thank you for sharing
These men are so handsome, I can truly say " my" eyes were drawn to their physique !Wow n Wow!!!!
They are all beautiful sexy people. Be proud of who you are ❤💋
As a vet result brother, I dont know why this so HOT. If the soldiers can do this, i have NO excuses.
Yes I'm another one admiring their, er,um beauty ????????????, but in all seriousness it was good to showcase this not on their looks, I'm not complaining though, but the courage they have to show they're not hiding, they are still "normal"
Its amazing and inspirational that these beautiful people have sacrificed and been thru so much are still so confident. Some days I have a lack of confidence in my own self but this makes one second thought those doubts. Absolutely beautiful inspiring amazing people. Thank you for your service.
Damn they've got some great bodies! But do you know what I think would be even more beautiful? A world without war.
NUMBER ONE, THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING ME AND OUR COUNTRY. NUMBER TWO, EVERYONE OF YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND OR HANDSOME AS THE DAY IS LONG. BRAVO TO YOU FOR THIS. ITS WONDERFUL.
Personally, I think that if countries want to wage war on one another the leaders and thier administrations who decide to go to war should be the ones to battle with the opposite countries' leaders and company. Let's see our decision makers get thier arms, and legs blown off and see how ready they are to get us in to another damn war.
Very creative and we'll done. I think this is brilliant. The people should feel really good about themselves and the photographer is right on point. Great job.
I think they're gorgeous, confident, hot as hell, sexy AF, more intriguing as human beings, and that the war still wasn't worth it. I want my money back. I'm ashamed I paid for this. I'm an american, I'm Christian. F@#k oil. Energy independence now.
These men are hot! I love that the photographer shows you don't need to be fully bodied to be super sexy.
I know this has nothing to do with race. But has anyone notice that the amputees are always white. I mean the armed forces are full of blacks and hispanics. What happened to them. I know there has to be hundreds of them out there.
This is awesome :) Enjoyed them All- but My fav is the guy with the Kilt!
Holy fudge. These guys are beautiful, and the girl too, but mostly the guys! Lol!
I think this is great for their ego.. to take someone who probably felt alone and scared of what the world thinks and take these photos and show them how beautiful they are is awesome!
lovely to look at, would be nice to hold, if I was younger I'd be that bold.
Ugh..still so vain..I'd say about 1 in 100 veterans really have these incredibly muscular bodies. Once again, trying to put gay average bodied men down..even though this is supposed to be something meaningful, you've used someone's pain to gain attention. Sexualising an injured veteran.. I am quite sure these men you picked to do this had no problem with self esteem..I mean they are all extremely handsome. And I am also sure you perverted men will say, "I'd still f**k him although he's missing whichever limb." Why do gay men have to be so damn superficial..plz help me understand this.
So loving this! haha ... maybe because they're all so darn attractive!
Omg ! such beautiful guys, so perfectly formed, and stunningly handsome. Who cares if there is a limb missing, theyre men - fit men - strong men - and very very brave. Absolutely gorgeous. Definitely would love to meet !!!
Gorgeous, daring and gritty. I personally love the whole artistic concept, not to mention the eye candy. I salute you!
I love it very very handsome man n beautiful women looking good how you doin!
These are beautiful human beings and by having them pose with weapons glamorizes the very violence that kills and mutilates countless men, women, and children everyday. The weapons are superfluous and take away from the message the veterans could give... that life is precious, but living it sometimes take great courage and determination. My husband did not get the opportunity to pose for calendar art; the left side of his head, shoulder, and arm were blown off by a claymore mine in 1966.
As a photographer I see this as a fabulous work of caring and incredible benefit for our veterans and the world to see that this is an extraordinary exhibit of art.
Legs or no legs. Arms or no arms. These people have smoking bodies!!!!!
Are any of the guys looking for a wife. I would be more than happy to volunteer for that position. lol
They are hotter than ANY guys I have EVER seen in any calendar! Any person who can overcome injuries and hardships like that, keep their heads held high, just accept they can't change what happened and make the best out of what they still have are the BEST people in this world! These are the type of people everyone should look up to, people who nobody would blame for "giving up", but they never do!
Guns are tools and those guys have been well educated and trained to use those tools the right way, whatever the reason they were send there for (that's another debate). Of course, you can not see it through picture. anyway, really really nice pictures.
These photos are awesome..! love the guts and d courage of all the models participation these shots. Looking at these photos, I found them very confronting, to the ''raw brutality'' of ''war'' the reality of their experience of ''survival'' from such carnage. Each one of these people, are reflecting that they are embracing themselves completely and fully, though parts of their bodies are gone, they are, and their beautiful, strong bodies are still here. Full of strength, integrity, and sex appeal. The whole thing gives out a ''powerful'' message. Congratulations all around and to Michael Stokes on such a ''brilliant'' project.
Wow. Hot. I love a man with powerful looking thighs and forearms, and they look even more powerful in titanium.
they are hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
People with PTSD all deal with it differently, it what caused the PTSD in the first place that needs to be handled then handled carefully afterwards
Well when where dober purchase this calendar cuz i would definitely buy one !! Use the proceeds for the wounded warriors !!! It's fantastic
Wow, these guys and girls are awesome... How fit they are is inspiring!! Sexy, proud, confident and beautiful.. Some with a wicked sense of humour too... What an amazing physical recovery they have all made! Makes me think that after what must of been a traumatic time in Thier lives that they may have come out of it good mentally and emotionally to have been happy or brave enough to do this shoot ... You people are seriously hot.and great role models :) thanks to photographer too, great compositions!
Amazing pictures, you should make a calendar. My husband and I would support true heroes. We as Americans owe them our support and respect at the very least
These are for a Calender, Contact Michael Stokes Photography for more info on the Calendar!
Load More Replies...There is nothing unattractive or morbid about these photos. These were some sexy military personal.
Got that right! Wonderful. I hope other veterans see this and realize they are whole, beautiful people.
These soldiers look so damn hot sexy as if they are professional models but this message is exactly what i don't like,showing that getting crippled as a soldier is ok,your life will not change,you will still be wanted and ready to fight,you only need money to buy artificial parts,these used to be concerted schizophrenic thoughts and today's media propose several twisted thoughts as ''art'' ''modern'' ''lifestyle'' ''role models'' ''cool'' showing that crippling our body or our soul isn't a big deal,big deal is how much money we made and if we can be used as ''role models'' so others start looking at it as ''normal'' and the multimillionaires can do wars and economic crisis and treat humans like body parts.
supporting our country then our eyes I say BRAVO to your courage and willingness to fight through what some might say is a disability. I say you all are abled and beautiful. thank you one and all
Shaholly Ayers was born without her lower arm, she's not a wounded vet.
What's sad is that we send them off to wars in foreign countries to get their limbs blown off, but only if they're hot do they get fetishized as war/sex heroes to give them a sense of self-worth as amputees...
pretty freaking hot, but the guns and cigarette turn me off big time. war is hell.
EU and the glorification of war. Here the least important is the confidence of these people. Mutilated by oil and millions of murdered around the world.
Finer specimens of manly men, and beautiful women, I've never seen! God bless you all, not only for your service, but for your courage! Well done!
EU and the glorification of war. Here the least important is the confidence of these people, mutilated by oil and millions of murdered around the world.
Yummy yummy..even to these 70 year old eyes....Darn these pictures make me think things...........................I give praise to these men and women on this page and all over the world who have protected the US.
Beautiful people. Life would be dull if we all looked the same. Big thank you to all of them for their service. God bless all our troops!
We are all the sum of our parts, not just some of our parts. These heroes have their parts together impeccably.
Someone told me this calendar was filled with Vets with disabilities, WHAT DISABILITIES??CAN THEY NOT READ? BAD AT MATH? DYSLEXIA? BECAUSE THERE ISN'T ONE OF THEM THAT I WOULD KUCK OUTTA BED FOR EATING CRACKERS!!! DAMMMMMMMIT BOYS!!!!
Silhoette's of WAR ...I weep for their Beauty & SACRIFICES giving US our Free Will to Live HERE. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH
I want to say kudos to the female solider willing to take this chance. Of course women are more than our limbs, our body, our image. It makes me reevaluate how I define beauty, because I find this strong figure who has gone through hardships and acceptance, an inspiration. If she can love her faults, why cannot I ( or my daughter or grand daughter) love theirs. I commend your bravery. And sacrice and thank you for your service.
What great photography and what wonderful service people who protect our country and freedom. Thank you. And sexy as hell!
Glamorising the terrible tragedy of violent war isn't cool. Posing with lethal weapons is not cool. These veterans should hang their heads in shame for their part in all the hate and killing.
Daaamn! Any one of these beautiful men can come keep me warm at night!!! Thanks to all of thaws folks for their service!
I could learn a thing or a few hundred from any one of these awesome people.
They look absolutely amazing and should be proud of what they have done and how the are now.. Good on ha girls and guys
those "photographs" are so badly photoshopped. the lights are odd, scenes are ridiculous and uncreative. digitally inserted backdrops are eyesore, the same for the in your face "Michael Stokes Photography" - impertinent self-love with bad taste.
Why pick a naked photoshoot to glamorise war and violence... It's not celebrating bravery and pride in the job..... It cheapens it. Naked photography to show confidence and spirit is great, photography highlighting their injuries while celebrating their dedication and bravery also great... But combining the two just feels cheap and tawdry. Also.... The photography feels uncomfortable, not the loss of limbs or scars... Like the Jesus style pose with cloth underwear just feels.... preachy and uncomfortable, almost as though it's sexualising a religious figure. Horribly mixed messages in these pieces.
On what planet is losing a piece of your body glorifying war? My God, the ignorance of the world.....in America we choose to serve in the military and do you know what happens because of that?? Why ill tell you. Because there is an ALL VOLUNTEER military ignorant people like yourself arent FORCED to serve in the military and continue to sit at home and pass your ignorant judgements on those who LITERALLY saved your a*s from their fate.
Load More Replies...I found the one that was like the Crucifixion to be a bit disturbing and I'm horrified by the amount of missing limbs that this war has wrought but I have to say Prosthetics are the new sexy I think.
Injured war veterans reduced to meat. Posing with weapons? This is wrong on so many levels. What about the person, their story and life? Repeat after me war and mutilation are not sexy!
Dont be telling them what theyve been reduced too!!! They chose to do this and they are PROUD, "reduced to" christ almighty, hope somebody lets you know something you're proud of is just a reduction to meat and makes sure to knock your a*s down a peg or two
Load More Replies...If they're willing to do this to others, then they should also be willing for it to be done to them. Except that it's unfair because they live in the US of A and have access to such excellent and expensive prosthetics, while those whom they did this to have nothing and are still living in hovels and mud huts. With out their legs and arms.
''defend'' America in Afghanistan ----> lose leg/arm ----> pose naked ---> get comments that you are still beautiful ?
Youre right the nerve of someone taking to battle the traditional conventions of beauty by showing their battle scars and being PROUD of who they are......smh, heavens how dare they....
Load More Replies...war is sucks ,,,,, sad photos ,,,, i wish i can see what they cause to the other side ,,,, hopefully not many CITIZENS ,,, they should named which war and which countries ,,, to let us judge if it worth it ?????
Of course here lemme help you. Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan.....damn sure did do some damage to the "citizens" of those countries, heavens what were we thinking in telling them that WOMEN ARE NOT PROPERTY, CATTLE OR BENEATH MEN.....look up what the "citizens" of these countries did to their OWN women and CHILDREN.....
Load More Replies...As an amputee, this post shows me that there's no problem with that :) !!! You can be still hot as hell !!
Of course you can, feel confident and don't forget that you are still you and that's all that matters. Go on, show yourself to the world, live with a free spirit!
Load More Replies...the only thing i find really morbid and repulsive is that they pose with guns o.O
Why? They are trained with guns And various other weapons. Did you stop and think that the meaning behind it was that even though they are physically wounded they are still dedicated to the job they have been trained to do? Showing that they aren't scared of weapons helps assure people about PTSD.
Load More Replies...I don't see what's so disrespectful about admiring attractive, normal human persons and wanting to know whether they're single or not.
Load More Replies...Absolutely beautiful, they are all sexy warriors in my book....total respect
Wonderful photographs of most incredibly beautiful (far beyond physical) people. Kudos to Michael Stokes for providing positive provocative images of courageous people. And double kudos those people for sharing. One only needs to look into their eyes to see it. They're inspirational.
Oh...my...I didn't even realize my jaw dropped till my gum fell in my lap! :) The men are HOT!! The ladies are beautiful. :) Wow...
They've given up so much to serve and protect and they are still giving - giving us the chance to admire them and their beautiful bodies!! R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Beautiful and courageous men and women. Thank you very much for keeping us safe. You are my heroes and heroines! God bless you all! Thank you Mr. Stokes for showing their true strength and beauty!
Michael Stokes is a genius. These photos are so beautiful they brought tears to my eye's. I am so proud of these soldiers and their loyalty to our country. Yes in these photos you see the violence of war and these photos have made it real to anyone that see's them, but they also represent love, courage, strength, loyalty and pride. So I say at ease to all the haters and see the true meaning and beauty of these men and women. American Soldiers, my hero's.
Wonderful project. Kudos to the people who were part of this amazing project. Everyone deserves to feel confident in themselves.
On one side I am glad these people's beauty and courage is being portrayed on the other hand it glorifies and normalizes an ongoing human tragedy of war and maming. Many men and women no doubt are disfigured to the point that they will never be displayed on any calendar as well as many who have lost their lives. People can be sexy, war is horrific
I think it is a wonderful idea making this calendar, thank you to all the soldiers that have fought endlessly for our Country and thank you for sharing a part of your healing with the rest of us...now where do I get a calendar...?
But it's not a calendar. I've seen that comment several times, so I went back and read again, and this is a BOOK not a calendar. Would be a nice one, though!
Load More Replies..."Si vis pacem, para bellum" or for you, since you probably have no clue of Latin meanings, "If you want peace, prepare for war". Bullies are everywhere, at the personal and national levels. I wouldn't back down to a bully personally, I would fight them, and the same goes for my country. I joined the Air Force when I was 18 when we weren't in a hot war, it was the Cold War then and the Russians thought they could rule the world. And a******s like you made them think they would succeed in dominating this country. Since they were defeated, a lot of other bullies have popped up with other ideologies but the same idea of dominating the world. What are you going to do, just lay there and take it? These warriors said no, and I respect them for it!
Load More Replies...Wondering if only white men have been maimed in these wars and why, as a nonwhite military person i am always put in the position of poonting this out..
Well, yeah, and I was wondering about any who are not in the best body shape, who are overweight and/or disfigured . . . I guess it was his project and this is how he decided to present it, so it's open now for another photographer to work on with other people!
Load More Replies...Seriously people? My brother is a Marine. He felt like it was his duty to go and protect his family and his country. There has been war for centuries. Nothing new. I don't like war one bit but if that's what my brother chose to do I support him 100%. There are so many other things in this world to worry about then bitching about nothing. These men and women are hero's. If you can't see that then something is wrong. It saddens me that more people aren't supportive of our military. They are out there fighting for YOUR FREEDOM! My brother and brother in law are out there fighting for you to have your rights. Be gratefu!
It takes alot to stand tall after such life altering incidents and its truly commendable. Hats off to these men n women for looking way more sexy than any super model.
It's more about how terrifying war is. All these beatiful man's and woman's bodies shall do not be distructed this way.
These pictures are flat out amazingly beautiful! The body is a wonderful thing and these veterans have sacrificed parts of theirs for our freedom. Their strength and confidence is inspirational for us all.
M.STOKES IS ABSOLUTLY AWESOME...Captures the beauty and confidence in these photographs.
Someone told me this calendar was filled with Vets with disabilities, WHAT DISABILITIES??CAN THEY NOT READ? BAD AT MATH? DYSLEXIA? BECAUSE THERE ISN'T ONE OF THEM THAT I WOULD KUCK OUTTA BED FOR EATING CRACKERS!!! DAMMMMMMMIT BOYS
Wow, sexy... I need these hot guys in my calendar.. so sexy, so confident, so powerful.. All I see is strength.
It's a beautiful thing...in the not so distant past when soldiers came home from combat with missing limbs society looked beyond them so as to make them feel invisible and sorely devalued. As far as posing with weaponry...look at the juxtapositioning, while these folks lost a part of their physical being, the warrior spirit endures.
THESE VETS WERE HANDLING GUNS WHEN THEIR LIVES WERE CHANGED, GOD BLESS THEM FOR HAVING THE COURAGE TO SHOW US THEIR CONFIDENCE, SCARS, AND SHOW THE WORLD WHAT WAR IS ON ALL SIDES OF A PERSON. BEFORE AND AFTER THEIR LIVES WERE CHANGED FOREVER.
out of all of them 11 of them didn't have a gun beside you have to look pass it and see the beauty of how they stood proud the body is still beautiful no matter what life sends you.
Amazing pictures, please make a calendar. My husband and I would buy the calendar to support those who are true heroes. We owe these people our support and respect....at the very least
These are for a Calender, Contact Michael Stokes Photography for more info on the Calendar!
Load More Replies...I admire their bravery now and in the past, and artistic and high quality as the photographs are, it really breaks my heart to see what they have sacrificed for a grateful country which, sadly, has a very ungrateful government. Shame on the lazy and insensitive, and irresponsible, excuses for statesmen in DC. You should have such bravery to support our troops and defend our country and its Constitution.
I would buy this calender ..these people are so very brave ,the sacrifice the struggles of their wounds forever ... I'm deeply grateful for their sacrifice... And so inspired by their courage!
I can't believe how many people just don't get it at all. If you've never seen a war, been in a war or have had a friend or family member in a war, why are you even talking? Keep your pitiful whining to yourself. These people are heroes and deserve nothing but respect.
I have been in a war ,,, a true one It's never the right thing ,, war makers are never good people ..
Load More Replies...14 pictures and not one shot of a person of color? i find that horribly disturbing. sure these guys and ladies are sexy, but i don't think they represent the major of the armed forces.
Any veteran I've ever met who's injured would jump at the chance to go back across the pond and kill more jihadists. Without a second thought. They lost limbs, but their friends have lost their lives and they feel an obligation to their country who IS in danger and to protect their loved ones living blissed lives here on U.S. soil. I love that it shows them with guns and cigarettes if that what's real for them. It's their prerogative if they want to smoke and pose with guns.
@babel who are you to judge another person's art? Another person's life? You don't know the hardships they've faced and from the sounds of it you know nothing of pride... Not for your country and certainly not for yourself. American soldiers do not start wars nor do they take pleasure in but when called to duty it's our job, our families and our lives were protecting. We may not start trouble bit we darn sure finish it. HOOAH!
Load More Replies...The one on the ropes makes me think of Jesus very emotive extremely good,the guns were part of their life as the heading says ex veterans so they are not repulsive when in the right hands.The cigarette only in one pose does spoil that picture the sexiness and power is lost by it.9.9/10.
It's sad that they are hurt of weapons and make photos who represent the harm of violence and guns..this is not art for me. War is sick !
Art is not always about what is pretty or good. Art conveys messages that can be interpreted differently by different people. To me, people kill people. Guns don't kill people by themselves. Guns made them amputated. So without guns they wouldn't be their current selves. For me, the fact that these veterans pose with guns shows that they have accepted their past and themselves as is now. This is a tremendous feat and that's why i think that they are proud of posing with the guns.
Load More Replies...The men photographed here are all way way out of my league - but a guy can dream, can't he?
Loveeee 🌷 I hope that there has been healing & love given and received to or by each of you- that no matter the case, you’ve searched for recovery mentally and physically & that not just someone else - but YOU have loved yourself as you are.
As a female amputee I support this 100 percent. I even did a boudoir shoot. Our bodies are resilent and should be shown off.
I wonder if that was worth it....do not mean participating in the session but going to war...it's XXI century and world powers continue using ordinary men and women to sort out their politics by means of war - for what - fighting terrorism that they previously bring to life themselves simply to justify their further steps against it? Well, its oil, natural resources, new weaponry system test and all the patriotic stuff that follows so hell - it's worth it!:)) who cares about hundreds of thousands of wounded and killed civilians, little children, war atrocities, large populatons movements etc. certainly not the ordinary elector driving his car powered by gasoline obtained from oil taken from Middle East as a payment for the "democracy" brought there about by the "western states"...hahha people, open your eyes...
I love being able to look at fellow amputees who aren't ashamed by their disability.
They are sexy and still amazing men I admire them for what they have done for us and will thank them everyday.
These post are awesome their confidence is amazing I wish more veterans could find theirs they are still men and special in their choice to serve and that alone make them super HEROS then to poise and encourage others that is GREAT thank you for sharing
These men are so handsome, I can truly say " my" eyes were drawn to their physique !Wow n Wow!!!!
They are all beautiful sexy people. Be proud of who you are ❤💋
As a vet result brother, I dont know why this so HOT. If the soldiers can do this, i have NO excuses.
Yes I'm another one admiring their, er,um beauty ????????????, but in all seriousness it was good to showcase this not on their looks, I'm not complaining though, but the courage they have to show they're not hiding, they are still "normal"
Its amazing and inspirational that these beautiful people have sacrificed and been thru so much are still so confident. Some days I have a lack of confidence in my own self but this makes one second thought those doubts. Absolutely beautiful inspiring amazing people. Thank you for your service.
Damn they've got some great bodies! But do you know what I think would be even more beautiful? A world without war.
NUMBER ONE, THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING ME AND OUR COUNTRY. NUMBER TWO, EVERYONE OF YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND OR HANDSOME AS THE DAY IS LONG. BRAVO TO YOU FOR THIS. ITS WONDERFUL.
Personally, I think that if countries want to wage war on one another the leaders and thier administrations who decide to go to war should be the ones to battle with the opposite countries' leaders and company. Let's see our decision makers get thier arms, and legs blown off and see how ready they are to get us in to another damn war.
Very creative and we'll done. I think this is brilliant. The people should feel really good about themselves and the photographer is right on point. Great job.
I think they're gorgeous, confident, hot as hell, sexy AF, more intriguing as human beings, and that the war still wasn't worth it. I want my money back. I'm ashamed I paid for this. I'm an american, I'm Christian. F@#k oil. Energy independence now.
These men are hot! I love that the photographer shows you don't need to be fully bodied to be super sexy.
I know this has nothing to do with race. But has anyone notice that the amputees are always white. I mean the armed forces are full of blacks and hispanics. What happened to them. I know there has to be hundreds of them out there.
This is awesome :) Enjoyed them All- but My fav is the guy with the Kilt!
Holy fudge. These guys are beautiful, and the girl too, but mostly the guys! Lol!
I think this is great for their ego.. to take someone who probably felt alone and scared of what the world thinks and take these photos and show them how beautiful they are is awesome!
lovely to look at, would be nice to hold, if I was younger I'd be that bold.
Ugh..still so vain..I'd say about 1 in 100 veterans really have these incredibly muscular bodies. Once again, trying to put gay average bodied men down..even though this is supposed to be something meaningful, you've used someone's pain to gain attention. Sexualising an injured veteran.. I am quite sure these men you picked to do this had no problem with self esteem..I mean they are all extremely handsome. And I am also sure you perverted men will say, "I'd still f**k him although he's missing whichever limb." Why do gay men have to be so damn superficial..plz help me understand this.
So loving this! haha ... maybe because they're all so darn attractive!
Omg ! such beautiful guys, so perfectly formed, and stunningly handsome. Who cares if there is a limb missing, theyre men - fit men - strong men - and very very brave. Absolutely gorgeous. Definitely would love to meet !!!
Gorgeous, daring and gritty. I personally love the whole artistic concept, not to mention the eye candy. I salute you!
I love it very very handsome man n beautiful women looking good how you doin!
These are beautiful human beings and by having them pose with weapons glamorizes the very violence that kills and mutilates countless men, women, and children everyday. The weapons are superfluous and take away from the message the veterans could give... that life is precious, but living it sometimes take great courage and determination. My husband did not get the opportunity to pose for calendar art; the left side of his head, shoulder, and arm were blown off by a claymore mine in 1966.
As a photographer I see this as a fabulous work of caring and incredible benefit for our veterans and the world to see that this is an extraordinary exhibit of art.
Legs or no legs. Arms or no arms. These people have smoking bodies!!!!!
Are any of the guys looking for a wife. I would be more than happy to volunteer for that position. lol
They are hotter than ANY guys I have EVER seen in any calendar! Any person who can overcome injuries and hardships like that, keep their heads held high, just accept they can't change what happened and make the best out of what they still have are the BEST people in this world! These are the type of people everyone should look up to, people who nobody would blame for "giving up", but they never do!
Guns are tools and those guys have been well educated and trained to use those tools the right way, whatever the reason they were send there for (that's another debate). Of course, you can not see it through picture. anyway, really really nice pictures.
These photos are awesome..! love the guts and d courage of all the models participation these shots. Looking at these photos, I found them very confronting, to the ''raw brutality'' of ''war'' the reality of their experience of ''survival'' from such carnage. Each one of these people, are reflecting that they are embracing themselves completely and fully, though parts of their bodies are gone, they are, and their beautiful, strong bodies are still here. Full of strength, integrity, and sex appeal. The whole thing gives out a ''powerful'' message. Congratulations all around and to Michael Stokes on such a ''brilliant'' project.
Wow. Hot. I love a man with powerful looking thighs and forearms, and they look even more powerful in titanium.
they are hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
People with PTSD all deal with it differently, it what caused the PTSD in the first place that needs to be handled then handled carefully afterwards
Well when where dober purchase this calendar cuz i would definitely buy one !! Use the proceeds for the wounded warriors !!! It's fantastic
Wow, these guys and girls are awesome... How fit they are is inspiring!! Sexy, proud, confident and beautiful.. Some with a wicked sense of humour too... What an amazing physical recovery they have all made! Makes me think that after what must of been a traumatic time in Thier lives that they may have come out of it good mentally and emotionally to have been happy or brave enough to do this shoot ... You people are seriously hot.and great role models :) thanks to photographer too, great compositions!
Amazing pictures, you should make a calendar. My husband and I would support true heroes. We as Americans owe them our support and respect at the very least
These are for a Calender, Contact Michael Stokes Photography for more info on the Calendar!
Load More Replies...There is nothing unattractive or morbid about these photos. These were some sexy military personal.
Got that right! Wonderful. I hope other veterans see this and realize they are whole, beautiful people.
These soldiers look so damn hot sexy as if they are professional models but this message is exactly what i don't like,showing that getting crippled as a soldier is ok,your life will not change,you will still be wanted and ready to fight,you only need money to buy artificial parts,these used to be concerted schizophrenic thoughts and today's media propose several twisted thoughts as ''art'' ''modern'' ''lifestyle'' ''role models'' ''cool'' showing that crippling our body or our soul isn't a big deal,big deal is how much money we made and if we can be used as ''role models'' so others start looking at it as ''normal'' and the multimillionaires can do wars and economic crisis and treat humans like body parts.
supporting our country then our eyes I say BRAVO to your courage and willingness to fight through what some might say is a disability. I say you all are abled and beautiful. thank you one and all
Shaholly Ayers was born without her lower arm, she's not a wounded vet.
What's sad is that we send them off to wars in foreign countries to get their limbs blown off, but only if they're hot do they get fetishized as war/sex heroes to give them a sense of self-worth as amputees...
pretty freaking hot, but the guns and cigarette turn me off big time. war is hell.
EU and the glorification of war. Here the least important is the confidence of these people. Mutilated by oil and millions of murdered around the world.
Finer specimens of manly men, and beautiful women, I've never seen! God bless you all, not only for your service, but for your courage! Well done!
EU and the glorification of war. Here the least important is the confidence of these people, mutilated by oil and millions of murdered around the world.
Yummy yummy..even to these 70 year old eyes....Darn these pictures make me think things...........................I give praise to these men and women on this page and all over the world who have protected the US.
Beautiful people. Life would be dull if we all looked the same. Big thank you to all of them for their service. God bless all our troops!
We are all the sum of our parts, not just some of our parts. These heroes have their parts together impeccably.
Someone told me this calendar was filled with Vets with disabilities, WHAT DISABILITIES??CAN THEY NOT READ? BAD AT MATH? DYSLEXIA? BECAUSE THERE ISN'T ONE OF THEM THAT I WOULD KUCK OUTTA BED FOR EATING CRACKERS!!! DAMMMMMMMIT BOYS!!!!
Silhoette's of WAR ...I weep for their Beauty & SACRIFICES giving US our Free Will to Live HERE. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH
I want to say kudos to the female solider willing to take this chance. Of course women are more than our limbs, our body, our image. It makes me reevaluate how I define beauty, because I find this strong figure who has gone through hardships and acceptance, an inspiration. If she can love her faults, why cannot I ( or my daughter or grand daughter) love theirs. I commend your bravery. And sacrice and thank you for your service.
What great photography and what wonderful service people who protect our country and freedom. Thank you. And sexy as hell!
Glamorising the terrible tragedy of violent war isn't cool. Posing with lethal weapons is not cool. These veterans should hang their heads in shame for their part in all the hate and killing.
Daaamn! Any one of these beautiful men can come keep me warm at night!!! Thanks to all of thaws folks for their service!
I could learn a thing or a few hundred from any one of these awesome people.
They look absolutely amazing and should be proud of what they have done and how the are now.. Good on ha girls and guys
those "photographs" are so badly photoshopped. the lights are odd, scenes are ridiculous and uncreative. digitally inserted backdrops are eyesore, the same for the in your face "Michael Stokes Photography" - impertinent self-love with bad taste.
Why pick a naked photoshoot to glamorise war and violence... It's not celebrating bravery and pride in the job..... It cheapens it. Naked photography to show confidence and spirit is great, photography highlighting their injuries while celebrating their dedication and bravery also great... But combining the two just feels cheap and tawdry. Also.... The photography feels uncomfortable, not the loss of limbs or scars... Like the Jesus style pose with cloth underwear just feels.... preachy and uncomfortable, almost as though it's sexualising a religious figure. Horribly mixed messages in these pieces.
On what planet is losing a piece of your body glorifying war? My God, the ignorance of the world.....in America we choose to serve in the military and do you know what happens because of that?? Why ill tell you. Because there is an ALL VOLUNTEER military ignorant people like yourself arent FORCED to serve in the military and continue to sit at home and pass your ignorant judgements on those who LITERALLY saved your a*s from their fate.
Load More Replies...I found the one that was like the Crucifixion to be a bit disturbing and I'm horrified by the amount of missing limbs that this war has wrought but I have to say Prosthetics are the new sexy I think.
Injured war veterans reduced to meat. Posing with weapons? This is wrong on so many levels. What about the person, their story and life? Repeat after me war and mutilation are not sexy!
Dont be telling them what theyve been reduced too!!! They chose to do this and they are PROUD, "reduced to" christ almighty, hope somebody lets you know something you're proud of is just a reduction to meat and makes sure to knock your a*s down a peg or two
Load More Replies...If they're willing to do this to others, then they should also be willing for it to be done to them. Except that it's unfair because they live in the US of A and have access to such excellent and expensive prosthetics, while those whom they did this to have nothing and are still living in hovels and mud huts. With out their legs and arms.
''defend'' America in Afghanistan ----> lose leg/arm ----> pose naked ---> get comments that you are still beautiful ?
Youre right the nerve of someone taking to battle the traditional conventions of beauty by showing their battle scars and being PROUD of who they are......smh, heavens how dare they....
Load More Replies...war is sucks ,,,,, sad photos ,,,, i wish i can see what they cause to the other side ,,,, hopefully not many CITIZENS ,,, they should named which war and which countries ,,, to let us judge if it worth it ?????
Of course here lemme help you. Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan.....damn sure did do some damage to the "citizens" of those countries, heavens what were we thinking in telling them that WOMEN ARE NOT PROPERTY, CATTLE OR BENEATH MEN.....look up what the "citizens" of these countries did to their OWN women and CHILDREN.....
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