Moody Public Affairs team takes home 13 ACC awards for 2008 Published March 23, 2009 By Airman Brigitte Brantley 23rd Wing Public Affairs MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The recent announcement of the 2008 Air Combat Command Media Contest winners included 13 awards for Moody's 23rd Wing Public Affairs office. Three of the top awards given out were awarded to Moody, a testimony to the hard work and effort put forth not only by the individuals, but by the entire office who supported them. The ACC Outstanding New Journalist of the Year for 2008 was awarded to Airman 1st Class Spencer Gallien, 23rd WG Public Affairs staff writer. "I didn't expect it, but I'm very proud of myself and our PA team," said Airman Gallien. "I submitted a wide selection of stories to show that I have the capability to cover everything from sports to news stories. "It's unique serving in this capacity because people don't typically join the Air Force to write," he added. "I enjoy working here because I'm given the opportunity to inform the world of the great things Airmen do every day to accomplish the mission." In addition to the journalism award, this was the second year in a row that a Moody Airman has won the title of Outstanding New Photographer award. Airman Joshua Green, 23rd WG Public Affairs photographer, reflects on what it means to him to be this year's winner. "Being a new photographer, I felt a great sense of accomplishment for having shown this much growth in my skills," said Airman Green. "I came here not really knowing how things work, but many experienced photographers here helped me look at things in a different light. "It's a great office to work in, and being around people so passionate about what they do drives you to become just as good," added Airman Green. "We capture the Air Force story through pictures and let people know the impact of our missions. My goal now is to become one of the best photographers in the Air Force." Senior Airman Brittany Barker, who won four awards last year including Outstanding New Photographer for 2007, accomplished even more by going on to win the ACC Photographer of the Year for 2008. "I was very honored because I love my job and it's great to get feedback that I'm good at what I do," she said. "I sorted through an entire year's worth of portfolio imagery, and only the best images made the cut. "My mentor, Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen, has given me a lot of tools to put in my toolbox that most photographers my age or rank haven't received yet," she said. "I've learned a lot from the people I work with. I couldn't have done it without them." The success of these Airmen comes as no surprise to Lt. Col. Lesa Spivey, 23rd WG Public Affairs chief. "It's outstanding for a single PA team to have this many awards," said Colonel Spivey. "I'm very proud of the efforts and hard work put forth by the individuals as well as our entire team. "It was a sweep, but this isn't the last of outstanding things that will be heard of from PA," she added. "There are none finer." Congratulations to the following additional 23rd WG Public Affairs office 2008 ACC Media Contest winners. Sports Article: 1st Place- Senior Airman Eric Schloeffel Art/Graphic: 1st Place- Senior Airman Gina Chiaverotti Combat Documentation Photograph: 1st Place- Senior Airman Schelli Jones News Photograph: 3rd Place- Senior Airman Elizabeth Rissmiller Feature Photograph: 2nd Place- Senior Airman Chiaverotti Sports Photograph: 1st Place- Senior Airman Brittany Barker Portrait/Personality Photograph: 1st Place- Senior Airman Brittany Barker Illustrative Photograph: 1st Place- Senior Airman Gina Chiaverotti Pictorial Photograph: 1st Place- Tech. Sgt. Parker Gyokeres Picture Story: 2nd Place- Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Allen