R 011951Z JUN 18
MARADMIN 304/18
SUBJ/2017 U.S. MARINE CORPS VISUAL INFORMATION AND EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNICATION (VIEC) AWARDS//
POC/VOUGHT, JEREMY/MSGT/CMC WASHINGTON DC OUSMCC/TEL: 703-614-1494/EMAIL: JEREMY.VOUGHT@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  As announced by reference (A) and on behalf of the Communication Strategy and Operations (CommStrat) occupational field, I am pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017 Marine Corps Visual Information and Excellence in Communication (VIEC) awards.  The purpose of these awards is to recognize commands and individuals for their significant contributions and accomplishments in historical documentation, production and communicating Marine Corps priorities to audiences worldwide. The recipients in these categories (cat) also represented the Marine Corps in the 2017 Department of Defense (DOD) Defense Media Awards (DMA) program. Awardees designated with an asterisk placed in the DMA program.

2. Award recipients

2.A. CommStrat Marine of the Year. The William T. Perkins CommStrat Marine of the Year award recognizes the Marine who most displayed exceptional performance, leadership, and courage and who embodies the total Marine concept. This prestigious annual award pays tribute to the heroic actions of Cpl William T. Perkins who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor while serving as a Combat Cameraman in the Republic of Vietnam, Oct 12, 1967. This year’s recipient is Cpl Juan Bustos, MCIPAC.

2.B. CommStrat Unit of the Year. The Charles M. Grow CommStrat Unit of the Year award recognizes the unit that has demonstrated superior execution of the 45XX Occupational Field core competencies and provided outstanding, professional communication and products. This prestigious annual award pays honor to Charles G. Grow, Combat Camera Officer, for his dedication, professionalism and leadership.  This year’s recipient is 1st Marine Division CommStrat.

2.C. Graphic design
     (1) Digital Art:
         Sgt Elize McKelvey, HQMC
     (2) Identity Design:
         Sgt Elize McKelvey, HQMC
     (3) Layout and Design:
         Sgt Elize McKelvey, HQMC
     (4) Animation:
         Sgt Hector De Jesus, MCI-West
     (5) Military Graphic Designer of the Year:
         Sgt Elize McKelvey, HQMC

2.D. Photo
     (1) Operational Photo Series:
         Sgt Matthew Callahan, II MEF*
     (2) Training Photo Series:
         LCpl Danny Gonzalez, 13th MEU
     (3) Picture Story:
         LCpl Danny Gonzalez, 13th MEU
     (4) News Photo:
         Sgt Matthew Callahan, II MEF*
     (5) Feature Photo:
         Sgt Matthew Callahan, II MEF*
     (6) Portrait:
         Sgt Cristian Bestul, HQMC*
     (7) Military Photographer of the Year:
         Sgt Aaron Patterson, MCB Hawaii
     (8) Sports Photography:
         GySgt Robert Brown, 11th MEU

2.E. Print
     (1) Printed Publication:
         “Lintai” MCAS Iwakuni
     (2) Information Story:
         Cpl Bryann Whitley, MARSOC
     (3) Feature Story:
         Cpl Bernadette Wildes, III MEF*
     (4) Photojournalism:
         Sgt Amaia Unanue, 31st MEU

2.F. Video
     (1) Short-form Production Video:
         Pacific Fury, 11th MEU*
     (2) Long-form Production Video:
         Running Forward, SPMAGTF-CR-CC
     (3) Operational Videography:
         Sgt Matthew Callahan, CJTF-OIR*
     (4) Training Videography:
         Cpl Devan Gowans, I MEF
     (5) Multimedia Product:
         Sgt Laiqa Hitt, HQMC
     (6) Video Story:
         Sgt Matthew Callahan, 24th MEU
     (7) Video Spot:
         Cpl Jamie Arzola, HQMC
     (8) Video Series:
         Sgt Conner Robbins, 1st MLG*
     (9) Military Videographer of the Year:
         Sgt Matthew Callahan, II MEF*

3.  For a full list of the USMC-level award winners visit:  https:(slash slash)www.dvidshub.net\r\euxmte and https:(slash slash) www.dvidshub.net\awards\dma\2017?branch=marines

4.  For a full list of the DOD-level award winners visit:  https:(slash slash)www.dma.mil\Portals\0\Documents\AwardsProgram\2017%20Defense%20Media%20Awards%20Winners%20-%202018-05-08.pdf?ver=2018-05-08-103552-753.

5.  Commands are highly encouraged to send their 1st place award winners to the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association Professional Development and Training Symposium in New Bern, North Carolina, Aug 21-23, 2018.  Awards will be presented Aug 22 at the evening awards banquet.  For more information on the Symposium and to register visit:  https:(slash slash)www.usmccca.org\archives\11446 or contact this MARADMIN POC.

6.  All awardees and units are commended for the significant contributions made toward furthering Marine Corps communication efforts.  Congratulations to all for a job well done.

7.  Released by Brigadier General William H. Seely III, Director, Office of U.S. Marine Corps Communication.//