Andrews Airman earns Reserve Command recognition

Published March 18, 2011
By Master Sgt. Veronica Aceveda
512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- A primary duty of Tech. Sgt. Steven Lewis, as a public affairs specialist with the 459th Air Refueling Wing, is keeping the wing in the limelight. He does this by writing stories, taking pictures and ensuring they're published online and in newspapers. This time the story is about him.

Air Force Reserve Command released the 2010 Media Contest results March 15 and named Sergeant Lewis as the Print Journalist of the Year.

Judges reviewed nearly 200 submissions from 22 organizations from across the command. Many public affairs Airmen regard the category Sergeant Lewis won as the most coveted title.

"It's pretty much one of the highest individual honors a PA can get," said Master Sgt. Paul Flipse, Air Force Reserve Recruiting director of public affairs. "It's also the toughest to get, because you're judged on various types of writing -- news, features, sports and commentary. It would be like a professional baseball player getting the most hits, making the fewest errors, having the highest batting average and hitting the most home runs ... all in the same season."

Sergeant Lewis, who's been in the PA career field for four years, said he was surprised when he found out.

"I knew there were a lot of other people who submitted for this same award - very talented people who have already made their mark," he said. "I thought everything I've done wouldn't really compare, so I'm excited and humbled at the same time."

To compete for Print Journalist of the Year, individuals must submit five writing samples. One of them was a feature story he wrote about a little girl who attended the Joint Services Open House last year and handed out thank-you coins to servicemembers. It can be read on the 459th ARW's website.

Sergeant Lewis said he thinks one reason he may have captured the judges attention is his direct style of writing.

"I've been taught how to write clear and understandable without endless amounts of paragraphs even in features," he said. "I try to bring (the reader) in without being too wordy, so they can almost feel like they are right there.

"I've also realized how important social media has become. With Facebook and tweets, today's society focuses on bite-size material."

Sergeant Lewis originally enlisted as a personnelist at Dover Air Force Base, Del., but after he was appointed the additional duty of unit public affairs representative, he said got a taste of PA and knew he had to cross train.

"What I like most about journalism is the interaction with so many different people ... hearing their stories," he added. "I also like all the opportunities to travel."

The Milford, Del., native flew to Hickam AFB, Hawaii, where he posted nearly 50 Pacific Command articles onto the web; he went to McChord AFB, Wash., where he provided play-by-play coverage of an international competition; and, he served at Keesler AFB, Miss., where he assisted the PA team during the Hurricane Hunters' busy season.

Whether it's taking on new challenges or performing his daily duties, Sergeant Lewis is known for giving his best.

Learning he had won the PA honor came only 10 days after receiving recognition as the 459th ARW NCO of the Quarter and winning the 2010 Diamond Sharp Award from the First Sergeant Council here.

"We are extremely fortunate to have such a consummate professional," said Col. Russell Muncy, 459th ARW commander. "Not only is Sergeant Lewis a superlative PA technician, but he also embodies what it takes to be a great Airman. He truly serves as an example for all to emulate.".

Sergeant Lewis will now be considered in the Air Force-level media contest for Print Journalist of the Year.

AFRC 2010 Print Journalist of the Year, Tech. Sgt. Steve Lewis