Kentucky Air Guard again recognized for public affairs excellence

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, UNITED STATES

12.21.2023

Story by Tech. Sgt. Chloe Ochs 

123rd Airlift Wing

For the 25th time in the past 28 years, public affairs Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard have earned top awards in a national competition.

The annual contest, formally known as the Department of the Air Force Public Affairs Chief Master Sgt. Douglas W. Morrell Media Awards, evaluates thousands of public affairs products created by Airmen around the world, including news photos, feature stories and videography.

Staff Sgt. Clayton Ware, Master Sgt. Phil Speck and Lt. Col. Dale Greer earned awards for products depicting the 123rd Airlift Wing’s response to massive flooding in Eastern Kentucky and arctic warfare training in Sweden, as well as news writing on a variety of subjects, all in 2022.

At the Air National Guard level, Ware took second place for photojournalism, and Speck earned first place in the information story category. In their roles as federal Air Reserve Technicians, Speck also was named Air National Guard Civilian Photographer of the Year; and Greer was named Air National Guard Civilian Writer of the Year.

“These entries showcase the best of our public affairs talents in print, photography, broadcasting and public affairs across the country,” said Tracy O’Grady-Walsh, director of public affairs at the National Guard Bureau. “We applaud the dedication and efforts that your Soldiers, Airmen and civilians give to our nation every day to bring the Guard story to the American public.”

Nine different public affairs Airmen from the Kentucky Air Guard have earned 107 national honors of excellence from the National Guard Bureau, U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense since 1995, including the highest professional awards bestowed by the DOD.

• Date Taken: 12.21.2023
• Date Posted: 09.25.2025 13:18
• Story ID: 549316
• Location: LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, US