These 11 Photos of Veterans Are Everything That’s Wrong With America

#OperationOverMed is a photo series by Marine Veteran Mike Whiter that highlights the overmedication of Veteran’s and their alternative ways of treating their service-connected ailments.

Originally a portrait assignment while attending The Art Institute of Philadelphia, the project has quickly captured the reality of the current Veteran Administration’s treatment options.

“At least 22 American Veterans die by suicide every day. We come home broken and are unable to pick up the pieces of our lives because the medications that the VA gives to us hold us down. It’s time to break the chains, get up and fight!” -Mike Whiter via #OperationOverMed

“All of these Veterans have chosen alternative treatments, whether it’s medical marijuana or acupuncture,” Whiter says. “Veterans are saying, ‘Screw these pills, I want to do what’s right for my body.’ ”

For more information on #OperationOverMed, or if you’d like to participate, visit Mike Whiter Photography on Facebook.