Name: Edward “David” A.

City: Tucson, AZ

Brain Injury: While in serving active duty in the United States Air Force, I endured multiple concussions from unwanted physical contact and violence, that was inflicted upon me by my roommates. This happen as I was moving out from our apartment due to their unruly behavior. Then shortly days later, I survived another major traumatic and concussion from a rollover car accident which collapsed the roof of my vehicle while I was trapped inside that totaled both my vehicle and myself. This horrific car accident may have been a resulted from the concussions due to the assault.

Explanation of mask:  The military pins of the three major branches U.S. Air Force, Army and Navy represents all the branches of service I tried to served but struggled with a lot of difficulties after the head injuries I received while serving in the U.S. Air Force.The glitter of various colors around the right eye represents the aura from migraines and seizures as I continue to address the continuing problems of tinnitus, chronic pain and all the difficulties they offer. The red paint represents the blood that poured out of my right eye, from the assault, along with white streaks that represent the of tears of despair. These white streaks should also represent all the misfortunes that occur shortly after the assault. On the left eye there are tears in blue that represents how the emotional pain that continues to this day. Because to this day I am discovering that problems from my injuries are never going to go away and that my original goals and ambitions I once had, are now difficult and mostly unachievable. The butterflies in my head on my mask represent how my thoughts come and go, as they easily flutter and fly away,making it foggy and difficult to focus. At times this happens more than usual. The butterflies also represent resurrection and how now I survived as new person. As a new person I continue to struggle with my difficulties while living in a life that is filled with the painful memories along with challenges, wonders and the joy that today’s world continues to offer.