HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass., -- Three members of the 66th Air Base Group received Air Force Materiel Command-level media awards for their Public Affairs work in 2021.
The awards, announced earlier this year, recognize, Roderick Berry, Todd Maki and Lauren Russell for achievements in furthering Air Force, Space Force and Department of Defense communication objectives.
“Hanscom’s Public Affairs team truly has a tremendous amount of creative talent and I’m glad to see it recognized at the major command level,” said Patty Welsh, acting Public Affairs chief. “Even with COVID restrictions, the team found ways to continue to highlight Hanscom’s programs and personnel.”
Collectively, the trio received seven awards.
In the written product awards, Russell received the command’s Civilian Writer of the Year award. As part of her portfolio, Russell submitted five articles that included stories about memorials for fallen Defenders returning to the 66th Security Forces Squadron and about two company grade officers’ COVID experience.
Additionally, she also received best in command distinction for a feature article about a 66th Comptroller Squadron airman and a photojournalism entry on 66 SFS female body armor.
Berry received the multimedia product award for producing the “Welcome to Hanscom” video that showcases the installation for newcomers. The award is presented to the individual who best illustrates the use of visual storytelling.
Maki received three awards. An image of a Hanscom fire fighter was selected as best portrait in AFMC for capturing “the essence of that person’s character” during a base exercise in December.
His sports photo of an acquisition program manager participating in the Fall Commander’s Cup Challenge was also selected as best in command for the year.
Maki was named Communicator of the Year award for his work that included a video story about fire prevention week, as well as images of Chief Master Sgt. Justin Geers waving to the crowd at Fenway Park; Airmen participating in a flag detail before a Boston Red Sox game; and senior leaders attending the Boston Medal of Honor Convention.
The Chief Master Sgt. Douglas W. Morrell Public Affairs Media Awards are a yearly Air Force competition for excellence and outstanding achievements in furthering Air Force, Space Force and Department of Defense communication objectives.