For 27 months, Ian Fisher, his parents and friends, and the U.S. Army allowed Denver Post reporters and a photographer to watch and chronicle his recruitment, induction, training, deployment, and, finally, his return from combat. A selection of photos from Ian’s journey after the link.

I don’t really care what your view on current wars and political situations are, because they’re irrelevant to this story. Look at these photos and imagine yourself in his place (after all, he’s most likely younger than you). Then think about what it means to support the men and women in uniform.