"Relentless Pursuit"
by Brian Fox
30" x 40" oil on canvas

When Matt Light first asked me to paint one of the horse soldiers - legendary green beret, Scott Neil - I thought I was going to be painting a soldier on a horse. Little did I know... "I didn't ride the horses," Scott quickly explained. "I was the guy who went deeper behind enemy lines to kill and capture the Taliban, as well as the Al Qaeda generals. The movie didn't portray the whole story."

From the very start of the project, I worked closely with Scott to ensure that I was telling "his story" by creating an accurate image. If Scott didn't ride a horse, then what am I going to paint? I wondered.

And then I met Scott's friend, Charlie Novotny, who explained the dangerous job of breaching doors. "Scott's primary mission was to conduct deep strategic reconnaissance, hunting and killing senior Taliban and Al Qaeda leaders who had been dislodged in the mountains of Afghanistan by unconventional teams." One of these teams was ODA 595-better known as the Horse Soldiers--who were Scott's sister team.

In the early days of post-9/11, Scott's mission led to the killing and capturing of more than 85 high profile Taliban and Al Qaeda leaders. Some of these harrowing operations were decided by hand-to-hand combat; any prisoners captured were then sent to Guantanamo in Cuba.

Throughout the entire creative process, I worked closely with Scott to ensure that I was accurately portraying him, as well as his weapons and gear. I tried to create an image that would not only prove to be precise but would also allow the viewer a true appreciation for what the man had lived through. As an artist, it's my job to instill this understanding and appreciation--not only for Scott, but for all the operators who have put everything on the line for our country.

Each time I have the incredible opportunity to sit and listen to an American veteran-selfless men and women- I always come away with an even deeper respect and admiration for their courage, commitment, and sacrifices. It's so important that we understand their stories.