SAN ANTONIO --  They answered our nation's call and served bravely on the battlefield. Now, their faces, names and stories are being circulated in cities across the country.

Every face in the gallery tells a story, and the Witte Museum in San Antonio is only one of four venues across the country where you can see them up close this year.

"Even though it is such a unique opportunity, it's very comforting for me because I feel like I belong with these guys and it's an honor to be painted with them," said U.S. Army veteran John Faulkenberry.

Faulkenberry is one of dozens of veterans and service members featured in the Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief's Tribute to America's Warriors exhibit.

Sixty-six portraits and a four-panel mural highlight their service since 9/11. Each was painted by former President George W. Bush.

"He was amazed. He had taken his daughter to meet President Bush, and the painting was done from a picture they took while he was there in the office. And when they called him and asked him if he had permission to take it, he was just very honored. He called me and said, 'Oh my gosh, you won't believe this, President Bush is going to paint a picture of Michaela and I,'" said Jolene Liley, mother of veteran Scott Lilley.

Before painting their faces, the former president met each person and learned their stories.

Veterans say that's what matters the most.

"He chose me to be painted as one of these, and it showed that I have done something significant in the right direction in the healing process for him to remember me enough to paint me," Faulkenberry said.

The exhibit is open from July 21-Sept. 30.

Active military, veterans and their families will receive free museum admission during the weekends of Aug. 18-19 and Sept. 15-16.

For more information, visit the Witte Museum's website, here.