Why is the back of my head showing and not my face!?

9/1/2014

Let me tell you why, because I really don't matter. How much louder can I say this to people until they understand me completely, not just on the cover of the Topeka Magazine but in general. Each day I set forth doing what every other American could, should and can still do, Honoring our Veterans. The men and women who truly matter! The ones who were drafted or the ones who volunteered to serve their country to help keep their friends and family from harms way. Those are the people who matter and all I do is help show that support by rallying up civilians who want to support but don't know how or grouping the families together as a unity and promoting the positivity in the world we all choose to live in today.

It is easier to read my statement below and understand why my head is showing and not my face.... To those of you who get it, Thank you! To all of you who do not, Thank you! Regardless if you do or do not it doesnt matter, the fact is you took time to care and I appreciate that.

"Today I was approached by someone who saw the magazine cover for Topeka magazine and asked me why is your back to the camera?

The answer is simple ... I never asked for this life, nor the spotlight. I chose to stay by Jamie's bedside through sickness & health, carry on a memory, the dying wish of my husband, assist active duty service members & veterans, create a veterans parade and give away every last penny of Jamie's life insurance to veterans in need.
The veterans, volunteers, capital of Kansas and American Flag matter the most in this photo, because without them I wouldn't be able to do what I voluntarily do everyday to have a story.. "

If you want to read the article you can click here - feel free to comment and let me know your thoughts!

3 Comments

Topeka Magazine (Nathan Pettengill, editor) link

11/13/2014 11:13:18 pm

Thank you for trusting us to set up that image, Melissa. Not every subject would understand or agree to that cover concept. The cover photo might have missed the mark, it might have hit it, but regardless ... this cover concept was meant as a symbol of a larger story, of how Melissa, MVP and the growing number of volunteers she has inspired are working to honor the nation's debt to returning veterans. This link will take you directly to the interior page with the full story (no registration or paywall required) http://issuu.com/sunflower_publishing/docs/tm14fa/48

A'Jay Scipio

11/15/2015 10:16:38 am

Melissa is one of THE MOST selfless and authentic people I know. The cover captures her love for THEM! Awesome Job Topeka Magazine.

Paul Moseley link

11/14/2016 08:39:37 am

God bless you Melissa. We need to give our Veterans all the help we can.

I am a member of "Warriors Ascent" a 501c organization that works with Veteran's dealing with PTSD. We take a holistic approach to mind, body and soul in a five day retreat. There is no charge to the Veteran to attend. Just a desire to live a better life. One with happiness and love. Please refer your Veterans with PTSD to our web site at www.warriorsascent.org. We would love to help and honor them.

Again, God bless you and your wonderful organization.

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Melissa Jarboe