Sgt. Thomas Duval, the October Journalist of the Month, set an example for other journalists by stepping from behind the camera to save the life of an Afghan partner.
"Sgt. Duval is a superstar journalist that keeps the PAO... read more
Sgt. Thomas Duval, the October Journalist of the Month, set an example for other journalists by stepping from behind the camera to save the life of an Afghan partner. <br /><br />
"Sgt. Duval is a superstar journalist that keeps the PAO shop going, not just with his stories but his "Can Do" attitude," said Maj. David Mattox, the public affairs officer for 1st Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division--Duval's unit. <br /><br />
Mattox went out of his way to nominate Duval for the Journalist of the Month, explaining how Duval was directly responsible for saving the life an Afghan army soldier while out on a mission. <br /><br />
"Not only did he perform life saving measures on an Afghan soldier that had a heart attack, when he got back from the mission he produced the story within two hours to include photos, and he selflessly omitted his own heroic actions from the story," added Mattox. <br /><br />
His actions with the Afghan soldier are not the only reason Duval was selected as the Journalist of the Month. <br /><br />
Duval's news stories were viewed more than 1,800 times in October. The vast majority of Duval's articles also have accompanying photos. The articles are more compelling because of the added visualization, and they also show how Duval fills the dual role of photographer and writer.<br /><br />
Adding hometown information to the soldiers he profiles like in "Uncle re-enlists nephew during Afghanistan deployment," helps expand interest for his content. <br /><br />
As is demonstrated by his actions after helping save the Afghan soldier, Duval makes his content timely. <br /><br />
The featured photo of Duval shows his dedication to his craft. He was working in 20 below zero weather in Alaska prior to his deployment, according to Mattox. <br /><br />
Duval’s work, commitment and life-saving actions show that there is often more involved to being a military journalist than just knowing how to use a camera or write stories. show less
