The March Journalist of the Month, Pfc. Linsey Williams, reported on a current hot topic--employment for returning troops--and made it relevant to her unit's home market. Williams is wrapping up a deployment to Kuwait with the... read more
The March Journalist of the Month, Pfc. Linsey Williams, reported on a current hot topic--employment for returning troops--and made it relevant to her unit's home market. Williams is wrapping up a deployment to Kuwait with the Minnesota National Guard's 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division. <br /><br />
The videos she produced in March resulted in her having the most downloads, distributions, media placements and views when compared to other videographers. She also ranks among the top 15 videographers whose videos aired the most.<br /><br />
Part of her success is a result of how she tackles the stories she produces.<br /><br />
"Williams ensures that every story is unique in its shots, and no two interviews look alike. She constantly seeks ways to do things better than she has before. Not only for the sake of a mission, but in keeping the 1/34th BCT connected to home," said Maj. Paul Rickert the 1st Brigade Combat Team public affairs officer.<br /><br />
Although Rickert said she only enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard eight months prior to requesting to deploy, Williams used her boots-on-the-ground time to develop her broadcasting skills. By the end of her deployment, her products outpaced seasoned military videographers. Part of the interest in her March videos was compelled by the topic of unemployment, which is currently catching the eyes of the media and general public. <br /><br />
Williams flamed interest in the topic with the way she covered the topic through video B-roll and taped interviews with service members and Minnesota community members visiting Kuwait.<br /><br />
"Williams played a critical role as a broadcaster acquiring footage and B-roll of several international companies," added Rickert. "Her efforts improved those relationships and were vital to the success of the strategic communication plan for the Employment Resources Team." <br /><br />
Her videos aired on WCCO-TV, KARE-TV, KSTP-TV and others.<br /><br />
"Pfc. Williams' positive attitude toward work and life significantly contributed to her success and the success of the section. I have no doubt that will continue for the rest of her career," Rickert said.<br /><br />
How Williams excelled in March was just an example of the broadcasting skills displayed throughout her deployment. <br /><br />
"In the eight months Williams spent in country, she produced over 200 video products. Many of which were picked up and shared through an bi-monthly internal command channel report on Camp Arifjan, as well as Pentagon Channel, AFN, and several media outlets back in her home state of Minnesota," added Maj. Rickert. "She has also made a significant online presence, gaining over 300 downloads and 12,000 web views. Though her mission in Kuwait comes to a close, her growth as a broadcaster is sure to continue." show less
