This month’s Journalist of the Month is about more than the recognition of a military journalist’s photography skill and success at telling soldiers’ stories. It is a tribute to Spc. Hilda Clayton and her valuable... read more
This month’s Journalist of the Month is about more than the recognition of a military journalist’s photography skill and success at telling soldiers’ stories. It is a tribute to Spc. Hilda Clayton and her valuable contribution to the U.S. Army and the journalism field. She gave the ultimate sacrifice to both. <br /> <br />
Clayton was a combat documentation/production specialist assigned to the 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), 21st Signal Brigade, based out of Fort Meade, Md. She died while taking pictures of Afghan National Army soldiers as they conducted a live-fire training exercise July 2, according to a 4th Brigade Combat Team 1st Cavalry Division article on DVIDS. A mortar weapon system failed, resulting in a catastrophic explosion. In the incident, four ANA soldiers taking part in the training also died of their injuries. <br /> <br />
“Spc. Clayton embodied everything we ask of our combat documentation production specialists, while conveying the artistic abilities we all appreciate in talented photographers, whether civilian or military,” said MSG Stephanie Carl, CJTF-101 PAIIA OPS NCO. “Her imagery and the memory of her commitment to her trade will stand as her legacy for years to come and as an inspiration to those who've served with her or will follow behind her.” <br /> <br />
Although Clayton was still relatively new to DVIDS, her images have more than 3,000 views with 870 views just in June. <br /> <br />
Her photos on DVIDS covered an array of topics, from humanitarian missions, Purple Heart recipients and the Gamberi Fight Club to military training and operations. <br /> <br />
After learning how Clayton gave the ultimate sacrifice in service of her profession as a soldier and journalist, calls for her to be selected as the DVIDS Journalist of the Month came from inside and outside DVIDS, including other military journalists and a past journalist of the month. <br /> <br />
Some of Clayton’s largest contributions to the U.S. Army resulted from her relationships with her fellow soldiers. <br /> <br />
“Even though she was small and had a soft voice, she captured many people’s hearts with her motivation and photos,” said Spc. Chenee Brooks, combat documentation/production specialist with 55th Signal Company. <br /> <br />
Another soldier in her company, Spc. Jessica Reyna, said Clayton was more than a co-worker and battle buddy; she was a friend. Reyna further explained how Clayton “loved the thrill and mystique that came with being Combat Camera in the United States Army. She lived by the values and never passed up an opportunity to use her photographic skills.” <br /> <br />
Maj. Steven Miller, 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry public affairs officer, further described Clayton as a “transformative presence” whose personality made their work environment better. “She strove every day to improve the world, and she did,” added Miller. <br /> <br />
We at DVIDS echo this sentiment from Clayton’s platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Lyttleton Yates: “Spc. Hilda Clayton like all of my soldiers will always remain endeared in my heart. She was one of our own and the inquisitive, unafraid warrior that she was, will never be forgotten.” <br /> <br />
show less
