TULSA, Okla. — A local artist is continuing his mission of honoring veterans by gifting portraits of soldiers to their loved ones.
Today, one of those paintings was given to the family of a National Guardsman who took his own life.
Christopher Fuentes’ family said he was adventurous, outgoing and a man of faith.
“He was a protective son, that is for sure,” Katherine O’Connell, mother of Christopher said. “He was brave, happy, dedicated and loved his country.”
After serving our country in the National Guard for years, her son tragically took his life last April.
O’Connell said the family met artist Michael Thomas last year at the Coffee Bunker, a place where many Guardsmen and women gather.
“We came across Michael when he was painting someone else’s portrait, and we spoke to him a little. He said, ‘I am going to paint Christopher’s portrait,'” O’Connell said.
A little more than a year later, that portrait was complete. On Saturday, Christopher’s family saw the finished piece.
Thomas said he has painted hundreds of portraits over the last three years and hopes paintings like these continue to bring healing to families.
Christopher’s stepdad, Sean O’Connell, said it is crucial that we work to learn how to spot someone who needs help to return the favor to those who protect and serve this country.
“We ask our veterans to go over and lay their lives down for us, for our freedom, but when they come back, we should be protecting them. That is what it comes down to,” O’Connell said.
Christopher’s cousin, Ben Fresquez, encourages those struggling to reach out for help and said it is not a weakness to ask.
“Suicide is real, and for us Americans, it is an epidemic, so we should be talking about it more,” Fresquez said.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call the 24 hour suicide and crisis hotline at 988, or click here.
