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NY Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Ryan Campbell wins awards for writing, photography in National Guard media contest

Lockport resident named New Photographer of the Year and New Writer of the Year for 2016

Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y. (04/12/2017) — New York Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Ryan Campbell, a Lockport resident, and a photojournalist assigned to the 107th Attack Wing, was named the 2016 Best New Photographer of the Year and New Writer of the Year in the Air National Guard media competition held in Washington, D.C. in March.

The winners in the Air National Guard competition are considered for awards in the Air Force media competition judging which takes place later this month. Submissions come from the Active Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard.

Campbell was honored for photographs in which he covered the New York Army National Guard's 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry conducting tactical training, members of the New York Air National Guard's 274th Air Support Operations Squadron parachuting out of a CH-47 helicopter, and Airmen accepting Valentines cards from kids at a local school.

He was recognized for stories he wrote about an Airman athlete, 107th Attack Wing engineers deploying to Albania, and Army National Guard tactical operations.

"We are extremely happy with the work Sergeant Campbell has done. He joined the unit with energy and vigor embraced his new role. His work has been exemplary and reflect the work and dedication he has put forth towards his job. We are proud of his accomplishments and see this as a sign of more to come," said Colonel Robert G. Kilgore, the commander of the 107th Attack Wing.

Before joining the New York Air National Guard in 2014, Campbell served in the Army National Guard, joining the West Virginia Army National Guard in 2005. He served as a cannon crewman in the 1st Battalion, 201st Field Artillery.

In 2009 he moved to New York and joined the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry as a field artillery forward observer in the reconnaissance unit.

While serving in the New York Army National Guard he was also part of the Military Forces Honor Guard, providing burial service for over 700 veterans.

He deployed in 2012 to Kuwait with the New York Army National Guard's 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

After transferring to the Air National Guard in 2014, Campbell attended the Defense Information School at Fort Meade, Maryland and qualified as a military journalist.

He currently works in a full-time position in the 107th Attack Wing's public affairs office. He deployed to Albanian on a humanitarian mission with the wing's engineers in June 2016.

Campbell is a graduate of the Air Force Public Affairs Management Course and holds an Associate's Degree from Erie County Community College. He is currently pursuing a degree in TV and film production through SUNY Oswego.

Campbell's awards include the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Army Overseas Service Ribbon and the Army Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon.

Media Attachments

Staff Sgt. Ryan Cambell

Airmen from the 274th Air Support Operations Squadron, Syracuse, N.Y., conduct air assault and parachute jump training out of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter from Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, New York National Guard from Rochester, N.Y., Sept. 10, 2016, Fort Drum, N.Y. in this photograph taken by Staff Sgt. Ryan Campbell.

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