Dept. of Military Affairs: Wisconsin Guard members recognized for public affairs work

Contact: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie
Office: 608-242-3050 or Cell: 608-516-1777

NEWS: Wisconsin Guard members recognized for public affairs work

Date: February 24, 2012
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

Public affairs professionals in the Wisconsin National Guard garnered nine top awards, including five first-place awards, in the National Guard Bureau's 2011 Media Contest.

At Ease Express, the official publication of the Wisconsin National Guard, was named the National Guard's best web-based publication for the second straight year. In 2009 it took second place at the National Guard level, but advanced to take first place in the Army and Department of Defense competitions.

WisGuard Live, a command blog which launched in 2011, also took first place. Sgt. Tyler Lasure of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, took first place for his story on two Wisconsin Guard members who competed in the Boston Marathon. Tech. Sgt. James Michaels of the 128th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office was named "Outstanding New Broadcaster" in the Air National Guard, and also earned a first place for his television sports report on Capt. Jason Parks.

Tech. Sgt. Sarah Franzen of the Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office received a second place award for a video segment in the "I Am the Wisconsin National Guard" series. 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson took second place for a story and photo from the 2011 Rhythm and Booms celebration.

Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue of the Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office received a third place award for his WisGuard Live blog commentary on motorcycle safety. Tech. Sgt. Tom Sobczyk of the 128th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office also took third place for graphics illustration with a Red Ribbon poster.

"I couldn't be prouder of the Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs team," said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin. "They have led the transition to the digital age while preserving a legacy of excellence in media professionalism."

The National Guard Bureau Public Affairs Office received more than 800 entries from 44 states. Top finishers will advance to the Army and Air Force level contests.

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Source: http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/WIDMA-301f51

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