Display of photographs about Iraq and Afghanistan veterans opens Thursday at Luther College

Pictures of veterans recovering from injuries suffered in the Middle East wars will go on display Thursday at Luther College.  "Unmasked: Soldiers Heal from Blast Force Damage" features pictures taken by photojournalist Lynn Johnson.

The exhibit in Luther College's Preus Library is open to the public with no charge for admission.  There will also be a free reception in the Hovde Room of Preus Library from 5:00 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. Thursday.  A special invitation is extended to area veterans and their families to attend.

Brain trauma from blast force is the signature injury of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Blast events create a pressure so powerful, it can be seen before it is heard or felt. Soldiers remember confusion, deafness and the feeling of being squashed. Blast-induced injury can result in language and hearing problems, memory loss, migraines, sleeplessness and suicidal thoughts.

Johnson's work was featured as the cover story of the February 2015 issue of National Geographic Magazine.