The Twenty Year War

Breathtaking. Personal. Raw. The Twenty-Year War photo book is an eye-opening insight into the lives of 71 incredible veterans of the Global War on Terror.

Diving into the experience of American service members fighting in a conflict that has spanned two decades, The Twenty-Year War explores the challenge veterans face reintegrating into a society where less than 1 percent of the American populace has served in the conflict.

The Twenty-Year War is an unflinching look at what it means to serve both in uniform and out. The portraits are explosive, telling, and gritty looks at the authentic life of an American service member.

The veterans featured in The Twenty-Year War open up about their call to service, the sobering reality of combat, their transition post-military, and what it’s like to find their mission again--in life.

This book shares stories not often told, including stories of fathers and sons, sisters, brothers, and husbands and wives who served together. The Twenty-Year War is a triumph of the American veteran’s spirit and determination.

Dan Blakeley served in 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, deploying six times in support of the Global War on Terror. He graduated from Appalachian State University with his bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees. He started the school’s solar-powered racing team that designed and built two solar-powered race cars, competing in five international races. Dan’s transition from military to civilian was not easy. Over the years he has seen firsthand a trend in the veteran community which paralleled his own experiences. ＂It’s a lack of understanding the skills veterans bring to the table, our proven leadership, our commitment to teammates, our unwavering desire to increase potential and be our best,＂ Dan said recently. Dan’s passion for veteran success and telling their stories was the inspiration for his first book, The Twenty-Year War. Dan is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of United Valor, a company focused on telling the untold stories of war through all media formats.

Tom Amenta was born in Chicago, IL, and grew up in the area before enlisting, against his family’s wishes, into the United States Army on his 18th birthday. Following his five years as a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, including two combat tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Tom earned his degree in political science from the University of Illinois. Tom spent the next eight years as the COO of the veteran lifestyle apparel company Ranger Up. He pioneered the veteran lifestyle apparel category and helped grow Ranger Up into the premier company in the space. At Ranger Up, he passionately advocated for veterans’ causes in many spaces, including lobbying Senate service committees. Later, he helped produce and starred in the only fully veteran-produced Hollywood movie, Range 15. He is a passionate advocate for veteran entrepreneurship and assisting veterans in transition, which led him to author his first book, The Twenty-Year War. Tom is the Chief Development Officer of United Valor.

Beau Simmons has been a professional photographer since 2009. He grew up just outside Joshua Tree National Park. An adventurer, Beau grew up working on and racing motorcycles as a child. He made a name for himself at 21 on the fashion photography scene working with clients including Marc Jacobs, 7 For All Mankind, Guess Jeans, and Converse. He was a go-to photographer for such agencies as Elite Models, IMG, and Ford Models. Beau captures his work exclusively on film using the lost art of medium format film photography, feeling it gives a classic look and feel to his work. The fashion scene began to grind on Beau. Being a cowboy is in his blood. In this spirit, he decided to pursue his passion for capturing classic Americana and the wonder of the American landscape. Through this cross-country journey, he was introduced to the veteran non-profit Heroes and Horses, a group that uses equine therapy to help veterans cope with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. His commitment to telling an authentic story about American veterans is on full display in his first feature photo book, The Twenty-Year War, which he created with two former Army Rangers, one of whom is his childhood friend, Dan Blakeley. Beau is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of United Valor.