National Guard Veteran

I've had the pleasure of knowing this remarkable veteran for many years. Paul served as my Sunday school teacher during my college years and was instrumental in creating our very first Bentley Photography sign back in 1990. He proudly served in the National Guard from Winder and operated a sign business that catered to nearly everyone in Barrow County. Now, post-retirement, he immerses himself in the world of antiques, running booths at local antique shops.

One of the more captivating stories we shared during our time together revolved around an adventurous high school trip. When he was just 16, Paul and a few friends made the bold decision to drive to New York City without informing their parents. The experience was certainly film-worthy—during the trip, their car broke down in North Carolina, they visited the iconic Empire State Building, and ultimately ran out of cash. To make it back home, they had to phone a friend and arrange for $20 to be sent via Western Union just to cover the cost of gas for their return journey. Remarkably, not a single parent ever learned of their escapade.

Often, it's the unexpected stories that linger with you after a session. Though I thought I knew Paul well, our enlightening discussions during his session revealed just how much more there was to discover.