I kind of like both images for different reasons. I hate choosing one over another. The first image of a pretty red head is a great exposure with excellent sharpness. Eye contact is perfect. Some cleaning up is needed of a few make up flecks and something around her mouth. Nothing a bit of cloning won't fix. I have a red head daughter so this plays a part in my reaction to the photo. The second shot of the veteran has an immediate emotional impact partly, I suppose, because of the time of year, and the way we think about our veterans. This is also a good exposure that you have tweaked, but I kind of like the second poppy on the soldier in the background, as it lends depth to the image. The fellow himself is so focused and thoughtful, I can't help but wonder what he is thinking.
What I like about both images is your risk taking in photographing them "in the wild", taking portraits without studio lighting, on the fly. Nice job.