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From Combat to Canvas: William Robert Stanek's Artistic Journey
(September 8, 2024) William Robert Stanek's transformation from a
decorated military serviceman to a celebrated artist and author is a
compelling story of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery. His
experiences in the military have profoundly influenced his artistic
work, shaping his perspective and inspiring his creations.
Early Life and Challenges
William's journey began in Wisconsin, where he
faced significant adversity from a young age. Raised by a single mother
after losing his stepfather and sister to a tragic accident, William and
his siblings often lived in poverty and went hungry. From the age of 10,
William worked odd jobs to help support his family. These early
experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a determination to
overcome obstacles.
At 17, during his senior year of high school,
William found himself homeless when his mother remarried and moved away.
Despite these challenges, he managed to finish high school and soon
after joined the US Air Force, where he would begin a distinguished
military career.
William's military career took him to various
fields of combat and special operations around the world. His service
was marked by bravery, skill, and dedication, earning him numerous
accolades, including the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross. This
medal, awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement, symbolizes
William's significant contributions and sacrifices.
Despite the honors, the emotional toll of his
service was considerable. "I would give all the medals away to be able
to close my eyes and not see any of it," William says, highlighting the
traumatic experiences he endured. His military work was often top
secret, involving collaborations with the NSA, Army, Marines, and Navy.
These classified missions added an additional layer of complexity and
secrecy to his service.
The Turning Point
A pivotal moment in William's life came in the
early 1990s when he met Ronald Reagan and George HW Bush. At the time,
both were trustees of the National Awards program at the Freedoms
Foundation, and William had recently received the George Washington
Honor Medal from the foundation. This meeting was a significant
acknowledgment of his service, but for William, it marked a new
beginning.
"It was an honor to have those great men shake my
hand and mean it when they congratulated me for my achievements,"
William says. However, he viewed this recognition not as the culmination
of his efforts but as motivation to strive for greater achievements.
Determined to make a lasting impact, William set out on a new path.
After leaving the military, William turned to art
as a means of healing and self-expression. His photography, painting,
and writing became outlets for processing his experiences and sharing
his journey with others. His wife, Hui Cha Stanek, was instrumental in
this transition, providing unwavering support and contributing to the
planning and execution of their creative projects.
William's work often reflects his military
background. His landscapes convey a sense of solitude and contemplation,
while his cityscapes capture the hustle and bustle of urban life. The
themes of resilience and transformation are recurring motifs in his
work, mirroring his personal journey.
Building a Legacy
William and Hui Cha's collaborative efforts have
resulted in a diverse and acclaimed body of work. William's literary
achievements include writing nonfiction under his own name and fiction
under the pseudonym Robert Stanek. His children's picture books, nearly
100 in total, are painted with his beautiful watercolors and have become
beloved by readers worldwide.
In photography, William is celebrated for his
stunning landscapes and innovative photo series such as "Snapshot in
Time," "Perspective," and "Elevate." These series showcase his ability
to capture the essence of different locations through cohesive thematic
collections. Hui Cha's meticulous planning ensures that every project
runs smoothly, allowing William to focus entirely on his art.
William's French and Scandinavian heritage also
plays a significant role in his artistic vision. His maternal lineage
traces back to the Beauchamps of Basse-Normandie, France, and the
Trolles of Scandinavia. This rich cultural background is reflected in
his work, infusing it with a sense of history and depth. The themes and
subjects he chooses often pay homage to his roots, adding another layer
of meaning to his art.
For William, art has always been more than just a
career; it's been a vital tool for healing. "My work has always been an
outlet, if not for my own healing, then to help heal others," he
explains. Through his stories, paintings, and photographs, William
channels his experiences into creative expressions that resonate with
many.
His wife, Hui Cha, has been his steadfast partner
throughout this journey. Together, they have created a body of work that
offers solace and inspiration to countless individuals. Their
partnership is built on mutual respect and a shared passion for their
craft, allowing them to create work that is both deeply personal and
universally appealing.
A Personal Story: Meeting Hui Cha
One of the most significant stories from William's
military days is how he met his wife, Hui Cha. On his way to survival
training at Fairchild AFB in Eastern Washington, he decided to stop at
McChord AFB for some R&R. His first night back in the U.S. after years
away found him tired but hungry. He went to Denny's and then, drawn by
the neon sign of a bar, he decided to stop in for a cold beer.
It was a slow night, and William struck up a
conversation with the bartender, who happened to be Hui Cha's sister.
She thought William and her sister would be a perfect match and
convinced him to wait for her sister to arrive. After some persuasion
and a few more calls, Hui Cha finally came in.
Wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt, with no makeup
besides red lipstick and mascara, Hui Cha walked in and there was
instant chemistry. They hit it off quickly, talked for hours, and set a
date for the following day. William saw Hui Cha every day he was on R&R
at McChord. When he left, they promised to visit each other on weekends
whenever possible.
During his survival training, Hui Cha drove out to
Fairchild AFB twice, and he drove back to the west coast once. After
training, he spent another week of R&R at McChord before heading to Air
Combat School. During this time, he convinced her to join him for the
six months of ACS. Two months later, they married and have been together
for 35 years.
William Robert Stanek's journey from combat to
canvas is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and love.
His experiences in the military have profoundly influenced his artistic
work, shaping his perspective and inspiring his creations. With the
unwavering support of his wife, Hui Cha, William has built a legacy that
spans multiple artistic disciplines.
Together, they have created a body of work that
resonates deeply with many, offering solace, inspiration, and a glimpse
into the beauty and complexity of the human experience. William's story
reminds us that true success is not just about receiving accolades but
about the continuous pursuit of one's passions and the desire to make a
meaningful impact on the world. Through his art, William Robert Stanek
continues to heal, inspire, and transform lives.
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