Photographer Mikel Conrad has an important assignment to complete in the next few months – photograph and interview 250 veterans and active-duty military members by July 4, 2026, America’s 250 birthday.  Through his project “250 Faces of Service & Sacrifice,” Conrad is collecting stories and portraits of past and present service members to honor the nation’s milestone. On his website, Conrad explains why he decided to embark on such an ambitious mission.  “I created this project with one simple