ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga -- The Headquarters Individual Reservist Readiness and Integration Organization earned first place in two categories in the Air Force Reserve Command 2016 Public Affairs and Broadcast Media Contest, AFRC officials announced, today.
The Readiness Report, the monthly newsletter for Individual Reservists, won best digital publication, while Master Sgt. Wendy Barraza, the HQ RIO first sergeant, earned best commentary for her #BeThere, before the call suicide prevention editorial.
The purpose of the awards program is to foster continual innovation leading to more effective communication programs through print and media products. Below is the full list of winning units and individuals who will now compete at the Air Force level:
Operational Documentation Photo: Capt. Bernie Kale, 512th AW/PA, Dover AFB, Del.
Training Documentation Photo: Tech. Sgt. Sam King, 919th SOW/PA, Duke Field, Fla.
Picture Story: Michael Dukes, 315th AW/PA, Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
News Photo: Staff Sgt. Amber Sorsek, 302nd AW/PA, Peterson AFB, Co.
Feature Photo: Tech. Sgt. Sam King, 919th SOW/PA, Duke Field, Fla.
Portrait Photo: Tech. Sgt. Stephen Schester, 3rd CTCS, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.
Pictorial Photo: Senior Airman Steven Ortiz, 3rd CTCS, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.
Military Photographer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Sam King, 919th SOW/PA, Duke Field, Fla.
Civilian Graphic Artist of the Year: Katie Justen, 459th ARW/PA, Joint Base Andrews, Md.
Short-Form Video Production: Maj. Patrick Simmons, HQ AFRC/PA, Robins AFB, Ga.
Long-Form Video Production: Capt. Bernie Kale, 512th AW/PA, Dover AFB, Del.
Operational Documentation Video: 1Lt. Stephen Lewis, 512th AW/PA, Dover AFB, Del.
Training Documentation Video: Tech. Sgt. Nathan Rivard, 512th AW/PA, Dover AFB, Del.
Multimedia Story: Staff Sgt. Joseph Yanik, 512th AW/PA, Dover AFB, Del.
Video Feature Story: Tech. Sgt. Michael McCool, 419th FW/PA, Hill AFB, Utah.
Video Spot: Michael Dukes, 315th AW/PA, Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
Video Series: Tech. Sgt. Alissa Landgraf, 911th AW/PA, Pittsburgh ARS, Pa.
Civilian Enterprise News Publication: Sean Dath, 452 AW/PA, March ARB, Ca.
Digital Publication: Master Sgt. Timm Huffman, HQ RIO, Buckley AFB, Colo.
Outstanding Communication Strategy: Maj. Marnee Losurdo, 403rd AW/PA, Keesler AFB, Miss.
Feature Story: Veronica Aceveda, 512th AW/PA, Dover AFB, Del.
Photojournalism: Senior Airman Tom Brading, 315th AW/PA, Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
Commentary/Blog post: Master Sgt. Wendy Barraza, HQ RIO, Buckley AFB, Co.
New Journalist of the Year: Senior Airman Tara Abrahams, 940th ARW/PA, Beale AFB, Ca.
Military Journalist of the Year: Senior Airman Tom Brading, 315th AW/PA, Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
Communicator of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Nathan Rivard, 512th AW/PA, Dover AFB, Del.