After serving in the Iraq war, Jaeson  “Doc” Parsons created art from his harrowing experiences in the Middle East. The Graffiti of War Project is a new platform for soldiers to tell their experiences through graffiti art. “Our vision is to showcase these amazing images of art and provide a unique glimpse into an entirely different side of the war, from the perspective of the individual experience, through the art they create,” said Parsons.

From inked messages of hope and despair to painted images of triumph and defeat, U.S. troops display their battles on anything from the military bases to the equipment. The project collects these images through submissions on its website, Facebook page and email. Once the organization has enough, it will be published as a book. Proceeds from the sale of The Graffiti of War will go toward the Graffiti of War Foundation to help returning vets as well as organizations supporting soldiers and families. “With the publication of the book, we hope to help raise awareness for the invisible wounds of war, PTSD, affecting hundreds of thousands of warfighters and civilians as well as their families, here and abroad.”

Here are a few of the images from U.S. troops on this generation’s war.

The Graffiti of War Project National Gallery Tour kicks off on Veterans Day (Nov. 11) with a week-long exhibit in Pottsville, Pa. To get a glimpse of the compelling stories behind the art, check out the official national tour gallery art video.

How do you feel about these images?