PA, band personnel win AFMC excellence awards Published Jan. 23, 2013 By Mark Wyatt 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Saunders, a Band of Liberty audio engineer, and Mark Herlihy, a 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs videographer, were recently recognized as winners of the Air Force Materiel Command's Public Affairs Communication Excellence awards for 2012. "The entries highlighted what we already knew to be true, AFMC's PA professionals are extremely bright, talented and very, very busy," said Ron Fry, Air Force Material Command Public Affairs director, who notified commanders, wing PA chiefs and members of the PA community throughout AFMC in an email. Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Saunders Saunders executed 38 holiday performances in 24 days throughout forward operating bases in Afghanistan for more than 7,000 combined forces personnel. Additionally, he performed 10 shows in Kyrgyzstan that celebrated 20 years of formal relations with the United States. This audio engineer also developed a way to manage the band's lighting and sound by using an iPad. His innovation allowed wireless control for the concert band and Afterburner. Additionally, Saunders learned and performed 20 songs on vocals when the deployed lead vocalist lost his voice. This enabled the mission to continue by performing at several forward operating bases throughout the area of responsibility. The technical sergeant also assisted an Afghanistan stage crew with an Air Force induction ceremony set up that was televised to more than 300,000 personnel on the Armed Forces Network. Finally, Saunders was responsible for $250,000 worth of band equipment, ensuring it was maintained and properly turned over to his successor. "Tech. Sergeant Saunders is one of the most innovative and selfless Airmen I've had the opportunity to work with," said Capt. David Alpar, U.S. Air Force Band of Liberty commander. "No matter the situation or location, I can always count on Jeff to save the day." Mark Herlihy Serving as Hanscom's videographer, Herlihy produced numerous video news stories on several key Hanscom topics that enhanced the base's visibility throughout the Air Force. Herlihy also took initiative in developing the base's first-ever YouTube channel that allowed viewership of news stories to reach an all-time high. As the only active duty Air Force base in New England, Herlihy assisted in numerous sister service ceremonies throughout the region that resulted in an enriched espirit de corps among services. This videographer also was responsible for providing content creation for a Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force leadership video that was used to deliver the chief's message for newly assigned supervisors throughout the Air Force. Additionally, he created a video that highlighted the Patriot Honor Guard and provided a first-hand account of the sacrifice honor guard members make when performing at funerals or ceremonies. "Mark Herlihy has a keen ability in getting to the crux of a news story and the fortitude in telling it," said Walter Santos, Public Affairs Visual Information manager. "His tireless efforts in producing products that people want to watch are a testament to his professionalism and talent."