These pictures are sketches. My intention is to photograph National Guardist of KY and WVA, such as the people in these pictures, in a more relaxed atmosphere, for example their yearly BBQ. National Guardists, like the Federal army, are send to Iraq and Afghanistan by Presidential order of 2001, even though they are only meant to be deployed on behalf of their own state. In these states many (young) people will join the National Guard, and the army, since these institutions are the only opportunity for employment and/or education.