Lance Cpl. Damien Mathis, an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon

Lance Cpl. Damien Mathis, an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon gunner, from Fayetteville, N.C., patrols in Kajaki Sofla, Nov. 8. Mathis, now on his 2nd deployment to Afghanistan with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, uses his art and writing as a source of self expression.