Retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in 2021, after a distinguished Navy career in military intelligence, LCDR Dennis Maida (USN, Ret.) has used his passion for photography not only as a therapeutic tool for long-undiagnosed PTSD but also as the pathway to the opening of his own gallery and a nonprofit organization to help fellow veterans.
Dennis sat down with AUSN Executive Director and colleague LCDR Steve Rogers (USN Ret.) and shared the many different avenues of his military career, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life and how connecting with fellow veterans has helped him and his family.
See the full conversation in the video.
Following a tour in Iraq that ended in December 2007, Dennis returned to work with the Defense Intelligence Agency and, while on a trip to New Orleans, met a fellow Sailor who was a great photographer.
“I told him, hey, you know what? I've always been interested in the camera. My grandfather worked for Kodak. I wanna learn a bit about it.”
His friend took him on a photo trek around the streets of New Orleans. “I was hooked. I mean, I literally was hooked from day one,” stated Dennis.
During his interview, Dennis further explains how photography brings him peace and how he wants to use this medium both to express his perspective and to help other people. Examples can be found on his Instagram page.
Dennis opened The Covert Collection Gallery, a family-owned business, which he named as a nod to his time in military intelligence. Located in downtown Boonton, NJ, the gallery celebrates art, music and community through special events, artist talks, networking nights, displays by other photographers and a twice-monthly Thursday Tunes evenings showcasing talented local musicians.
Dennis also founded the f/22 Project to pay it forward to fellow Veterans diagnosed with PTSD, and who would like to learn photography. Services are free and available to those living in and around New Jersey and New York.
See the full conversation in the video.
About LCDR Dennis Maida
Dennis Maida served a total of 31 years in the U.S. Navy, both on active duty and as a reservist. He began his military journey as an Intelligence Specialist, achieving the rank of Petty Officer First Class before receiving a Direct Commission as an Intelligence Officer. With much of his time dedicated to counter-terrorism efforts as part of the Global War on Terrorism, his assignments included intelligence support roles with Naval Special Warfare and the aviation community. He also spent a year in Iraq as an Intelligence Officer with the Joint Personnel Recovery Center-Baghdad. He concluded his service as the Officer-in-Charge of an ONI Intelligence Training Unit.
Upon transitioning out of the military, Dennis embarked on a successful career in cybersecurity. Since 2008, he has concurrently nurtured his passion for photography. His work, initially serving as a form of therapy to cope with PTSD, has evolved into a profound artistic expression that now includes landscape, astrophotography, minimalism and fine art.
Dennis’ dedication to his country and photography defines his life's journey, highlighted by numerous awards and accolades for his artistic talent and the help he provides Veterans through the f/22 Project.
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