Photo By Staff Sgt. Maximiliano Rosas | From left, U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Thomas Sheng, a combat photographer, and Cpl. Jesse...... read more read more
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CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan — Three U.S. Marines from Communication Strategy and Operations, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, received prestigious honors at the Marine Corps Visual Information and Excellence Awards on June 3, 2024. One Marine was additionally recognized as the Department of Defense Thomas Jefferson Writer of the Year.
The Marine Corps VIEC Awards celebrate achievements in writing, photography, videography, graphic design, and communication planning that advance the goals of the Marine Corps and DoD across twenty-three categories. These include layout and design, sports photography, videography, and identity design.
Cpl. Thomas Sheng, a combat photographer with COMMSTRAT, H&S, MCIPAC, earned the distinction of Marine Corps Writer of the Year and DoD Thomas Jefferson Writer of the Year. Sheng also secured third place in sports photography.
"When I write my stories, I focus on uncovering what people should know about their subjects or specific activities," Sheng explained. "From there, the story develops naturally."
Sheng has authored 23 stories profiling military personnel, both civilian and uniformed.
"I owe my writing success to my supervisors and mentors," Sheng added. "Everyone in my Marine Corps command has played a pivotal role in shaping my achievements; I'm merely a vessel for their expertise."
Sheng plans to pursue further education to continue highlighting the unique qualities of service members through his writing.
Cpl. Jesse Davis, a Combat Graphics specialist with COMMSTRAT, H&S, MCIPAC, clinched first place in layout and design for his graphic illustration commemorating World Mental Health Day. This category assesses creativity, technical prowess, and effective visual communication.
"Layout and design involves arranging elements like photos, shapes, and text," Davis explained. "For my graphic, I emphasized the global theme of World Mental Health Day using blue and green hues, which symbolize the day's awareness ribbon. Textures added depth to evoke tactile sensations."
Davis, who has produced 18 graphic illustrations and contributed to over 2,000 projects during his tenure with MCIPAC, expressed gratitude to colleagues and superiors for their encouragement.
"I'm fortunate to be part of a unit that allows me to create graphics that inform the public about important issues," Davis said. "Their support has inspired me to surpass my own expectations."
Davis aims to mentor others as he has been guided in his career.
Cpl. Martha Linares, a Combat Videographer with COMMSTRAT, H&S Bn, MCIPAC, secured third place in portrait photography by capturing a poignant re-creation of a photograph, featuring Jessica Niss, mother of Cpl. Eric-John Niss-DeJesus.
"While video remains my primary focus, I embraced the opportunity to enhance my photography skills, especially for the Jessica Niss project," Linares noted. "These experiences have ignited a newfound passion for photography."
Linares intends to refine her proficiency in both video and photography through ongoing practice and exploration of new opportunities.
| Date Taken: | 06.03.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 07.25.2024 01:47 |
| Story ID: | 476872 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 85 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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