Walter Cichy, a resident of Far Rockaway, New York, embarked on a life-changing journey by making the bold decision to uproot himself from his familiar surroundings and relocate to the vibrant and fast-paced metropolis of New York City.
Notwithstanding his initial foray into the academic world at New York University, his tenure was brief, as he soon found himself irresistibly drawn to a novel and captivating opportunity, namely, the prospect of enrolling in a prestigious private school specializing in the art of photography and cinematic production. This marked a pivotal moment in his educational journey, as he embarked on a new and unconventional path that would serve to challenge his skills, hone his creative talents, and ultimately, ignite his passion for the art form.
Walter Cichy's odyssey into the realm of photography and movie production unfolded as a transformative journey, yielding a profound sense of purpose and direction that would eventually crystallize into a defining aspect of his professional persona.
Walter's existence underwent a profound transformation in the pivotal year of 1967, as the escalating Vietnam War posed a stark and unsettling reality: the looming possibility of being conscripted into military service. Rather than meekly submitting to the uncertainties of the draft, Walter displayed an extraordinary display of bravery and resourcefulness by boldly taking the initiative to enlist in the United States Army as a photographer, thereby seizing the reins of his own destiny and embracing a path that would ultimately define the trajectory of his life.
Walter's journey began with a deliberate and intentional decision to enlist, marking the start of a transformative experience that would push him to his limits and equip him with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the unforgiving environment of military life.
As he embarked on this new path, Walter underwent a grueling and comprehensive basic training program, meticulously designed to prepare him for the harsh realities of military service. This foundational training served as a crucible, testing his physical and mental resilience, and laying the groundwork for his future success.
Upon completing this rigorous training, Walter's focus shifted to specialist training in the field of photography, where he devoted himself to the acquisition of expertise and the development of his artistic vision. Through dedication and perseverance, he honed his skills, gradually refining his craft until he emerged as a proficient and skilled visual storyteller, capable of capturing the essence of his subjects with precision and artistry.
As a result of his tireless efforts, Walter's photography became a powerful medium, conveying the complexity and depth of the human experience in a way that was both poignant and profound. His images served as a testament to his talent, his dedication, and his unwavering commitment to his craft.
Walter's formal education came to a close, marking the beginning of his military career, which would ultimately take him to the United States Army's prestigious base located in the picturesque city of Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was here that he would utilize his exceptional skills as a photographer, making a significant impact and contributing to the army's mission during his time of service.
Walter's illustrious military career was punctuated by a life-changing event in the year 1967, as he embarked on a lifelong journey of love and commitment by exchanging vows with his long-standing sweetheart, Mikal Kirshner. This momentous occasion marked a significant personal milestone in Walter's life, and it was shortly followed by Mikal's relocation to Colorado, where she joined Walter and the couple began their life together.
As a newlywed, Walter and Mikal found themselves stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, where Walter proudly served a two-year term as a Private First Class within the Army's esteemed photography unit.
Walter's life took a drastic and tumultuous turn in the year 1970, as a pivotal and calamitous event shook the very foundations of his personal life, marking the beginning of the end of his once-peaceful and harmonious marriage to Mikal. The cracks that had begun to appear in their relationship slowly started to spread, gradually taking on a life of their own, until the inevitable finally occurred and the couple's union was dissolved in a definitive and irreversible divorce, which was formally finalized in April of 1971.
As the fleeting particles of dust finally came to rest, signaling the gradual subsiding of the tumultuous emotions that had been swirling within him, Walter seized the moment with unwavering determination, making the courageous and audacious decision to uproot his life and relocate to the City of Angels, Los Angeles, California, a place renowned for its vibrant cultural landscape and unparalleled opportunities in the cinematic arts. It was here, in the midst of the bustling metropolis, that Walter would continue to cultivate and expand his burgeoning career in the esteemed and fiercely competitive world of the movie industry, where the pursuit of creative excellence and the thrill of artistic expression would serve as the guiding forces driving his unwavering passion and unrelenting dedication.
Walter's existence underwent a profound transformation in the City of Angels, where his destiny became inextricably entwined with that of Vicki Turel, a woman who would eventually become his wife. Yet, their marriage was unfortunately characterized by an undercurrent of impermanence, as the couple's union was ultimately severed by a divorce before Walter's life was tragically brought to a premature close in a devastating car accident that occurred in the year 1978.
