Vandal Art
U.S. Air Force
Tre Clymer enlisted in the United States Air Force at 18 and shipped out to basic training in December 2013. Entering on an open contract, he was fortunate to be assigned as a 3E3, structural engineer. He spent the next five and a half years on active duty, stationed in South Dakota, and had the opportunity to go on several TDYs and deployments—some of the most fulfilling times of his career.
Eventually, life shifted. With a growing family and new responsibilities, he needed a change. Still committed to serving his country, he transitioned to the Air Force Reserves, where he continues to serve today.
In 2021, he was tasked with a short-notice deployment. Before leaving, he purchased an iPad and stylus—marking the beginning of a new journey: drawing. Despite having no prior artistic experience, he embraced the challenge. With time and persistence, he improved steadily. Day after day, week after week, he honed his craft, and three years later, he continues to push himself to become a better artist.
Art has allowed him to build connections and community, much like his time in the military. Drawing on his experiences as a 3E3, the countries he traveled through, and the people he met along the way, these pages are his attempt to honor it all.