130th Airlift Wing’s Vance earns new military photographer of the year award

  • Published
  • By Capt. Holli Nelson
  • 130th Airlift Wing Pubilc Affairs

Airman 1st Class Caleb Vance, a photojournalist with the 130th Airlift Wing, earned national level recognition by being named the “New Military Photographer of the Year” from the Air National Guard.

As a part of the National Guard’s 2017 media contest, Vance was selected from a pool of submissions throughout the entire Air National Guard public affairs force in the rank of E-1 through E-6 with less than 24 months of public affairs experience.

In order to be selected, Vance submitted a portfolio of imagery showcasing his depth and breadth of photography skills in various formats including news, feature, portrait and operational photography.

“It means a lot to me, honestly,” said Vance. “It means that all the hard work I’ve put into my career here so far and all the support from my fiancé, family and supervisors has paid off. It just one step closer to being where I want to be in what is just the beginning of my career.”

Vance joined the 130th Airlift Wing in Charleston, West Virginia in February 2016. He will now move on to compete in the Department of Defense’s Defense Media Awards competition. Winners will be announced at the end of April.