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VA Long Beach Honors Local Veteran in 12th Portrait Unveiling

Group of people stand in front of framed photo of a man.
Pictured (left to right): Dr. Lia Kraemer, VA Long Beach Associate Director; Dan Montoya, CSULB Vice President for University Relations and Development; Dr. Royce Smith, CSULB College of the Arts Dean; Cidal Vu, Student Artist; Eric Igama, U.S. Navy Veteran; Marian Stewart, CSULB Professor of Art; and Deborah Ludke, Chair of the VA Long Beach Veterans Appreciation Committee and VA National Operations Officer for Advanced Fellowships and Professional Development. Credit: Benjamin Jones, VA.

By Stephen Dagadakis, Public Affairs Officer

On Tuesday, March 24, VA Long Beach hosted its 12th portrait unveiling as part of the Veteran Portrait Project—an initiative that brings together Veterans, student artists, and the community in a powerful celebration of service, storytelling, and creativity.

This semester’s portrait features U.S. Navy Veteran Eric Igama, whose dedication and service were honored through an original, hand‑drawn portrait created by Cidal Vu, an art student from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). Family, friends, VA and CSULB employees, and local Veterans gathered in the main lobby of the medical center to witness the unveiling and celebrate the collaborative spirit behind this project.

The Veteran Portrait Project began as a partnership between the VA Long Beach Veterans Appreciation Committee and CSULB Professor of Art Marian Stewart. Each semester, CSULB art students are invited to participate by creating a portrait of a Veteran who took part in the “Meet a Veteran” program—a initiative that pairs a local Veteran with a member of the Veterans Appreciation Committee to tell their story.

Portraits as part of this effort are displayed prominently for staff, patients, and visitors, serving as a tribute to the Veterans who inspire our community. The portraits also exemplify the exceptional talent found at CSULB — and the power of local collaboration.

“Every time we unveil a new portrait, I’m reminded of the incredible privilege it is to hear a Veteran’s story.  Eric’s courage and generosity in sharing his journey touched all of us, and seeing that story come to life through a student’s eyes is truly moving.  This project connects us in ways that stay with you long after the portrait is revealed”, said Deborah Ludke, Chair of the VA Long Beach Veterans Appreciation Committee and VA National Operations Officer for Advanced Fellowships and Professional Development.

Part of what makes this project so meaningful is the exchange that takes place. The selected Veteran is invited to join an undergraduate art class at CSULB for a portrait sitting. During the session, the Veteran has the opportunity to share personal experiences, including from their time in service, while student artists gain firsthand insight into the diverse journeys of those who served. For some student artists, it is their first time meeting a Veteran and hearing first-hand about what it is like to serve in the U.S. military. Students share that they are deeply moved by the experience, which inspires them to see the portrait as more than just a classroom exercise –dedicating themselves to finding a way to honor the Veteran through portraiture. 

Planning is already underway for the 13th portrait as part of the project, extending the profound impact of connection—between Veterans and students, between service and storytelling, and between VA Long Beach and CSULB. Each portrait stands as a reminder that every Veteran’s story is unique, worthy of reflection, and capable of inspiring others.