Commentary by: Michelle McBride
Photo by: Master Sgt. Kenneth Walker
On Dec. 7, 2014, the Texas Military Forces State Public Affairs Office held a media competition highlighting Public Affairs work done by guardsmen throughout Texas.
This year’s award recipients are as follows:
Motivational Video:
1st place: Staff Sgt. Mindy Bloem, 147th Reconnaissance Wing
Broadcast Journalism:
1st place: Staff Sgt. Mindy Bloem, 147th Reconnaissance Wing 2nd place: Mr. John Thibodeau and 1st Lt. Alicia Lacy, TXMF State Public Affairs Office
Journalism
1st Place: Capt. Martha Nigrelle, TXMF State Public Affairs Office 2nd Place: Master Sgt. Daniel Griego, 36th Infantry Division and JTF- 136th MEB 3rd Place: Sgt. 1st Class Malcolm McClendon, TXMF State Public Affairs Office
Publication
1st Place: Mr. Chris Porter, Recruiting and Retention Battalion
Photography
1st Place: Senior Airman Chasity Lollis, 147th Reconnaissance Wing 2nd Place (tied): Sgt. 1st Class Malcolm McClendon, TXMF State Public Affairs Office and Spc. Christina Clardy, 36th Infantry Division 3rd Place (tied): Chief Warrant Officer 2 Janet Schmelzer, 4th Regiment, Texas State Guard and Master Sgt. Charles Hatton, 136th Airlift Wing
Special Contribution to the Public Affairs field by a non-Public Affairs member:
Staff Sgt. John Gately, TXMF Website and TXSG Website Tech. Sgt. Eduardo Zamora, TXANG Website Private 1st Class Estefania Reyes, TXMF Website
Public Affairs Leader of the Year:
Master Sgt. Daniel Griego
Nigrelle, who was also the master of ceremonies for the event, said it is important to recognize the efforts of all Texas Public Affairs service members who are always in the background telling the Texas Military forces story.
“Their hard work and achievements are instrumental in educating the public on everything our Texas guardsmen do for the state and nation,” said Nigrelle.
Congratulations to all of the winners, we look forward to next year’s entries. To view more photos of the award ceremony, please visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/texasmilitaryforces/sets/72157649745003666.