Chris Spence was driving a John Deere utility vehicle laden with supplies through the rolling plains of northern Afghanistan in November 2001, when he was captivated by the sight of a mismatched band of U.S. soldiers and Afghans cresting a hill on horseback.
Along with his military gear in the John Deere, Spence also came armed with a camera. Fascinated by the novelty of the moment, he began snapping shots.
His pictures would soon capture the attention of the American public and shape the image of the early days of the U.S. military’s campaign in Afghanistan.
Spence, a Green Beret assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group, was among the first Americans in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. …