Photo By Sgt. Elaina Nieves | U.S. Army Spc. Tristin Salisbury with the 122nd Theater Public Affairs Support...... read more read more
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For SPC Tristin Salisbury, being in the Washington National Guard was more than just a job; it was a path to serving his community.
Growing up in Bremerton, Wash., the military was always a part of the background for Salisbury, who initially planned to work at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) located in Bremerton. But when COVID hit, plans changed. Opportunities at the shipyard were delayed, and Salisbury found himself at a crossroads of where he wanted to go.
"I was in trade school for game design at the time, studying 3D modeling and art," he said. "Then a National Guard recruiter came in and gave a presentation. I'd never even heard of the Guard growing up."
Salisbury's sight of his state's natural disasters, including the 2014 Oso landslides and wildfires, prompted him to develop a deeper sense of civic responsibility.
"I wanted to help," he said. "I saw what was happening in my community and realized the Guard is different. You're helping your state and neighbors when things go wrong."
With a desire to serve and the goal of getting into the military, Salisbury enlisted as a 13J, a Fire Control Specialist, with 2nd Battalion, 146th Field Artillery. He also started work as a welder, combining federal service and skilled trade work with his Guard duties. But his journey didn't stop at his MOS.
"I started managing my unit's Instagram account and filming events just with my phone," he said. "Then someone noticed I liked editing, and from there, I took on more video projects." Over the next two years, he used his skills in his unit's social media to edit promotional content, create graphics, design logos, and produce morale-boosting videos. One of his biggest projects, a year-in-review video for the Saint Barbara's Ball, drew widespread praise, including a brigade coin and emotional responses from leadership families.
"People saw themselves in those videos," he said. "It helped with morale, made them feel proud and part of something."
Despite never initially planning to pursue a public affairs role, Salisbury leaned into what he was naturally drawn to, which was creating compelling work through video. After completing his current college program, Salisbury plans to attend the Defense Information School for qualification as a Public Affairs Mass Communication Specialist, 46S, Military Occupational Specialty.
"I didn't plan any of this," he said. "But I kept my foot in the door, and when new doors opened, I ran through. Now I'm doing something I love and get to serve my community while doing it."
| Date Taken: | 06.08.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2025 16:04 |
| Story ID: | 500033 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 135 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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