CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The photographs of three Combat Camera photographers assigned to the 1st Combat Camera Squadron from Charleston AFB are on display at the Alterman Studio Center for Photography in downtown Charleston.
The combat photography of Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Lock, Staff Sgt. Stacy Pearsall and Staff Sgt. Jake Bailey, which depict U.S. combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, will be on display until Dec. 31 for the public to view. All three Airmen are Military Photographer of the Year award recipients.
Jack Alterman, owner of Alterman Studios, first became interested in showing some of the combat camera photos in his studio after Sergeant Lock started volunteering at the studio.
Mr. Alterman said he was very impressed with the knowledge, skill, professionalism and patriotism that Sergeant Lock displayed.
He also felt that showing some of the combat camera photography works of Sergeant Lock and the other Military Photographer of the Year award winners would not only be informative but it would also give him the chance to give something back to the community.
"All three of the Military Photographers of the Year award winners are very talented and their pictures are very informative," said Mr. Alterman. "I felt their work was very powerful and moving and that they are telling a story that needs to be told ... a story from the Soldier's perspective."
When asked if she would like to have her photos displayed, Sergeant Pearsall jumped at the opportunity because she enjoys working in the community.
"I love interacting in the local community and raising awareness about the Air Force," said Sergeant Pearsall. "Not only is an exhibit such as this beneficial for the Air Force, it also allows civilians to have a glimpse of what it is like to be in our world."
Lt. Col Catherine Walter, 1 CTCS commander, commented on how the photographs are more than just powerful because they help tell the story of our U.S. service members.
"Their powerful images show the determination and compassion of the United States and its military," said Colonel Walter. "They put the human face on the varied combat and humanitarian missions performed by the military services."
Mr. Alterman was very proud of Sergeants Lock, Pearsall and Bailey, but no one could be more proud of each member of the combat camera squadron than their commander could.
"The talented individuals in the 1 CTCS continually amaze me," said Colonel Walter. "They leave the comforts of their homes and their families, and they have gone forward into numerous combat zones to tell the story of the brave men and women of the U.S. military. I am very proud and privileged to be associated with these fantastic photojournalists and the 1 CTCS."