In the spring of 2004, artist Michael Reagan found a new calling. A professional sketch artist whose famous subjects include six presidents and First Ladies, hundreds of actors, musicians and sports figures, and even a Pope, Reagan was profiled that year on KING5's "Evening Magazine" program. The program was sent to more than 100 NBC affiliates, and not long after the Edmonds artist received a phone call that changed his life.

"Cherice Johnson called me from Idaho," Reagan explained, "and told me that her husband, Michael, had died while serving in Iraq the previous year. She wanted to know how much it would cost to have me sketch her husband's portrait."

Reagan, a Vietnam veteran, didn't hesitate in his reply. "Your husband is my brother. I couldn't possibly charge you for his portrait."

A week or so later, after receiving the lifelike sketch of her husband, Johnson made another call to Reagan.

"Everybody who loves me has done a lot to help me cope with the grief," she said, "but I haven't been able to sleep through the night for more than a year. When I pulled that portrait out of its package and looked into Michael's eyes, I felt like he had finally come home. And last night I slept."

After relaying the message to his wife, Cheryl Reagan said simply, "Now we have to do them all."

Michael Reagan will speak at the Take a Vet to Lunch community dinner, planned for Saturday, February 28, beginning at 4 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge in Marysville, located at 419 Columbia Avenue. Tickets are available for $15 for non-veterans; the dinner is free for veterans and their spouses.

Since that first illustration, Reagan has created more than 1,600 portraits of fallen soldiers, all at no cost. His non-profit organization, the Fallen Heroes Project, is supported by donations from vendors who provide pencils and illustration board, and by private gifts that help offset the costs of packaging and shipping.

The artist receives an average of five requests for portraits each day, and he completes two a day. His motivation is selfless and straightforward.

"I'm trying to open the eyes of their loved ones again for these families," said Reagan. "When people look at my portraits, the most striking feature is always the eyes. It's almost a spiritual connection," he added humbly, acknowledging a divine source for his gift.

While his emphasis is on military personnel killed in the war on terror, Reagan has created memorable portraits of veterans from World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam, as well as one of Anne Jackson, the Skagit County Sheriff's deputy killed last September in a 6-victim rampage.

Before taking on the Fallen Heroes Project, Reagan's personalized sketches commanded thousands of dollars each. A supporter of worthy causes, Reagan estimated his autographed portraits of celebrities have generated close to $10 million in auctions held by charitable organizations.

These days Reagan works closely with First Gentleman Mike Gregoire and the state's veterans' organization to provide his one-of-a-kind pencil sketches for Washington's military casualties literally overnight.

"The governor's office will call and send a photo by 8 p.m., and by 8 a.m. the portrait is ready to go for the soldier's memorial service," Reagan explained.

To hear more about Michael Reagan's Fallen Heroes Project, plan to attend the homestyle community dinner on February 28. Take the opportunity to meet and chat with local veterans while being entertained by local country singer Jeremy Randall and enjoying a delicious dinner and dessert. For more information, contact Bob Rawe at bobsoutback@verizon.com; to purchase tickets call Beckye Randall at (360) 659-1100 or send an e-mail to editor@northcountyoutlook.com.

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