Holloman Public Affairs pulls in ACC awards

  • Published
  • By 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Officials at Air Combat Command Public Affairs recently announced the winners of the 2009 ACC Media Contest and the Air Force Public Affairs Awards for Communication Excellence and Holloman's 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office received awards in several categories.

"I couldn't be more proud of our team, not only for winning these awards, but the amazing job they do on a daily basis," said Capt. James Bressendorff, 49th FW PA chief. "Even with much of the office leadership being deployed last year, they rallied together and got the job done in an exemplary manner. That is a testament to the kind of staff we have ... dedicated, professional and always striving to be the very best."

The office had four winners in eight categories with 4 first place finishes. The categories were:

News Article
Airman 1st Class Sondra Escutia, 3rd place
See the product here: UAS FTU to bring new mission to Holloman

Feature Article
Airman 1st Class Sondra Escutia, 2nd place
See the product here: Lindbergs: Military dedication through generations

Art/Graphic
Airman 1st Class Sondra Escutia, 1st place
See the product here: Raptors and Reapers over the Southwest graphic

Photojournalism
Airman 1st Class Sondra Escutia, 3rd place
See the product here: Holloman readiness put to the test

Pictorial Photograph
Senior Airman Rachel Kocin, 3rd place
See the product here: Tularosa Basin at dusk

Picture Story
Tech. Sgt. Chris Flahive, 1st place
See the product here: Holloman honors National POW/MIA Recognition Day photo layout

Radio Spot Production
Tech. Sgt. Lisa Carlson, 1st place

Radio Feature Report
Tech. Sgt. Lisa Carlson, 1st place

Journalism, broadcasting and photography entries were judged on technical quality and value to Air Force internal communications programs. The first place winners from ACC have been sent forward to compete in the Air Force Media Contest.

The Air Force Media Contest is an annual event sponsored by the Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs and is conducted by Headquarters Air Force Public Affairs Agency. The 2009 awards were the 54th year of the competition.

"I think I speak for all of the winners when I say that it really means a lot to be recognized. It is not often that we get out from behind the camera or beyond the byline of a story," said Airman Escutia, one of the award recipients. "These are the things that motivate us to strive to do the best job we can do."

The efforts of the journalism, broadcast, and photography sections also helped the 49th FW PA office to receive first place in Best Issues Management and third place in Best Crisis Communication earlier this year for the 2009 Air Force Public Affairs Awards for Communication Excellence.

Two 49th Fighter Wing PA staff members also received individual awards in the competition:

Outstanding Public Affairs Company Grade Officer
1st Lt. Michele Rollins, 1st place

Outstanding Intermediate Grade Civilian
B. Arlan Ponder, 2nd place

The Air Force PA Awards for Communication Excellence recognizes the command and wing PA team's communications capabilities, planning and execution, exceptional performance in the unit and individual categories, which contribute to the Air Force mission.

"I am extremely honored, and fortunate, to have such a great group of public affairs professionals at Holloman. Regardless of the situation, this group is willing to go the extra mile to see that the Holloman story is told - whether it be via radio broadcast, photography or written story," said Col. Jeff Harrigian, 49th Fighter Wing commander. "I am especially pleased they received the Best Issues Management Award. In my strategic plan I specifically advised PA to engage the community regarding the F-22. The programs they developed to accomplish this task displayed the outstanding knowledge, use of resources and commitment to excellence of our Airmen and civilians alike."