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We got word that today’s Oprah Show (Feb 26) will feature military women in war, and Stacy Pearsall—former combat photographer with the 1st Combat Camera Squadron from Charleston AFB, SC—will be a part of the show.

UPDATE:
Check out more of her work here...."She may look like the girl next door, but Staff Sgt. Stacy Pearsall's camera has captured the horrors of war", says the Oprah Website.

We saw a promo on oprah.com that included a small glimpse of Stacy’s photos and a sentence from her about how war changes you. We’re looking forward to seeing the show in its entirety.


About Stacy, in her own words:

"I got my start as an Air Force photographer over ten years ago at the age of 17. In the fall of 2004, I attended Syracuse University where I was presented with the Associated Collegiate Press Award. Since that time, my work has been publicized in various media to include Time Magazine, New York Times, CNN, Oscar nominated PBS: Operation Home Coming and GQ Magazine: This is Our War.

Early on in my life, I had trouble expressing my emotions in words. I found that I could use a camera as a vessel of expression.

From then on, I harnessed my emotions and strove to make each image an evocation of what I saw and felt. I believe it is that ability, which allows me to be a successful storyteller.

For the last 12 years, I have witnessed the depredation of war and immeasurable kindness of humanity.

I cannot express in words what I have seen and lived to those who have not been privy to it.

I have survived weeklong sieges, 12-hour gun battles, three improvised explosive devices and two helicopter crashes.

I have experienced my own suffering and loss. However, I know that my images of these acts have and will bring about change.

It is the confidence I have in myself, in photojournalism and in humanity, which compels me to continue my work.

I have faith that people will make the right decisions when they are presented with the facts.

So, I will continue to use my vessel of expression in the hopes that I can do my part in bringing about change for the future."

Wow, what an Airman.


You can log into Oprah's Website and leave comments about this show too here.

1st Combat Camera Squadron, Charleston AFB, GQ, Oprah winfrey, Public Affairs, images of war, iraq war, rolling stone

Wanted to pass along a hat tip to the Colonel. Check out fromanairforcecolonel. I think he's the first Airman out there blogging on PA-type issues. Look back here, as we find more Air Force related blogs.

Air Force blog, Airmen blogging, Public Affairs, U.S. Air Force, air force live

AOR Week in Photos
By Master Sgt Mikal Canfield

I am deployed here [Combined Air Operations Center] from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, doing Media Outreach for the Public Affairs office in Southwest Asia. My job is to market print and broadcast stories and photos to media outlets around the world, highlighting the men and women of the U.S. Air Force.

One of the best things about my job is knowing that our products might have an impact on the fight. People around the world see our Airmen in action and are able to see the variety of things we do to preserve freedom.

This week we premiered the “AOR Week in Photos”, pictures from around the area of responsibility – Afghanistan, Iraq and other air bases in this region – focusing on the different things our Airmen are doing here. Some of the photos show mission accomplishment – flying, fighting and winning the war on terrorism, some highlight Airmen facing unique challenges, while others feature our work in the communities we share. I think it’s important to show both aspects because it’s not all about flying sorties and driving convoys, it’s also about connecting with the people of this region and showing that we care about helping them achieve the peace and prosperity previously denied.

The “AOR Week in Photos” is just one of the ways our office does its part to fight terrorism. Putting together a photo slide show or sending out a news release might not be the stuff of legend, but it’s our role here and it’s a job we take seriously. Every single deployed Airman has a job to do and without his or her hard work, skill and dedication, the mission wouldn’t get done. Hopefully the “AOR Week in Photos” gives people a glimpse at some of the men and women representing America with honor.

Afghanistan, Airmen, CAOC, Iraq, PACF, Public Affairs, USAF, elmendorf AFB, media outreach