FORT HOOD, TX- U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Addison Shinn of the 366th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD) has just arrived in Thailand for his two weeks of annual training. He was lying on his mat in his physical fitness uniform, ready to relax for the day. Things abruptly changed when he was told by his first sergeant to head over to the tarmac. The first sergeant told him, “You’re going to hop on a Black Hawk helicopter.”
Ready for the mission, Shinn asked, “What images should I get?” The first sergeant quickly responded, “Whatever you want.” Shinn changed and had what he says is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Experiences like Thailand were offered to Shinn because he is a dedicated and proactive public affairs soldier in the Army Reserve.
1st Sgt. William Knight of the 366th MPAD notes that prior to their mission in Thailand, Shinn had shared the types of missions he was looking forward to. “He talked about things he wanted to cover and experiences he wanted to have. He showed me he was ready with his equipment, detail and aptitude. When the time came up I made sure that I tagged him to do it.”
Shinn met with the crew chief and two pilots, and they told him they were going to Bangkok. They flew over the skyscrapers of the city. The photos he took of the crew on this timely mission ended up published as the front cover of Army Times.
U.S. Army Reserve Cpt. Sara Jones, executive officer of the 366th MPAD, said, “He captures photos that really make you feel something. He really knows how to tell a story if a picture is all you get.”
About the mission in Thailand, Sgt. Jeweliana Zubiate of the 366th MPAD said, “He was highly motivated and constantly adapting to change. He toughed it out. We were in some rough conditions in Thailand. He was probably one of the only ones who didn't complain because he gets the job done.”
Shinn didn’t always have the idea to become a Soldier.
While in college, Shinn was approached by an old friend, a Marine, who went to his gym frequently and suggested that Shinn join the military as a photographer.
Shinn wasn’t sure at first if that was the right decision for him, but after his friend said, “I really think you should do this!” Shinn finally decided, “Yeah, let’s do it!”
Photography was not his major in college but a passion of his. He was creating senior portraits and wedding photos.
Shinn found his passion for photography in high school, when he was given birthday money one year to buy his first camera.
“Ever since then I’ve been taking photos,” said Shinn.
It started off as a hobby, and every single day, he would go out and take photos of landscapes and friends.
About joining the Army Reserve as a photographer, Shinn recalls, “I took that leap of faith.”
After months of going back and forth with recruiters, he found an opening in the Army Reserve. He then graduated college, got through basic training and completed advanced individualized training.
Joining the Army Reserve, allowed him to find a job as a multimedia creative designer.
Shinn said, “there’s a lot of connections between what I do on the military side, and it translates very easily with what I do on the civilian side.”
At the Defense Information School (DINFOS), where public affairs soldiers do their advanced individualized training, he was able to “learn a ton” from graphics to interviewing.
At DINFOS, he acquired certification as a multimedia specialist that gave him the proof to back up his photography skills. This certification paved the way for him to get a civilian job as a multimedia creative designer for a construction company.
“I don't think I’d be where I’m at today in my civilian career, and I’m so thankful for my military career,” said Shinn.
Some of the work he did at DINFOS also showcased video work that he added to his portfolio and moved him forward in job interviews.
Shinn’s lifelong goal is to become a National Geographic photographer. “That's a big reason I joined the military,” said Shinn. “It’s a stepping stone: to build that resume and that career.”
Shinn’s first sergeant said, “With getting him out there and in foreign countries, it’s a seamless transition to anything he would want to embark on in a civilian sector or in the Army Reserve.”
“He is constantly putting out quality work,” said teammate Zubiate. “I honestly believe he has the ability to become a National Geographic photographer.”
“It’s really fun to be a Soldier but an artist at the same time,” said Shinn.