Reserve Airman makes Air Force history

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Cheryl L. Foster
  • 919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  When the Air Force Public Affairs Agency released the results of the 2014 Media Contest, the 919th Special Operations Wing had reason to celebrate.

Tech. Sgt. Jasmin Taylor, 919th SOW public affairs office, made Air Force history becoming the first person to be awarded both Outstanding New Photographer and Outstanding New Writer.

Taylor's reaction to receiving the award at the wing commander's call was that of blushing pride. 

"It's an honor and I'm thankful for God's plan and all the mentors that helped me reach this milestone," said the photojournalist. "I like to think I won because I'm passionate about people and their stories."

Taylor began her career in June 2002 as an engineering apprentice. In 2005, she joined the Reserve and the 556th REDHORSE Squadron at Duke Field, Fla. Shortly after in 2012, she transferred into the public affairs career field at the 919th SOW.

She attended the Defense Information School's basic photography course over a year later.

"It was well worth the wait," said the honor graduate. "I proved to my peers, instructors and myself that hard work mixed with dedication and passion can take you places you may have never imagined."

The award winner constantly looks for opportunities to learn. Taylor attended the DC Shoot Off training workshop in March 2014 where she met Mannie Garcia, a freelance photojournalist and workshop guru. After the workshop, Garcia began mentoring her long distance.

"I've challenged her with weekly assignments and in the beginning she didn't meet the task. She kept at it, falling down, learning to get up brush herself off and continue trying," said Garcia. "Jasmin has transitioned from photographer to talented photojournalist and she will get better with time as she continues using her camera, her head and heart."

Being in a career field where different situations arise daily, Taylor has learned to take things in stride and expect the unexpected. 

"The job definitely keeps us on our toes. There are constant opportunities for photos and stories," said the Mississippi native.  "You just have to keep your eyes and ears open."
Taylor's most rewarding aspect of her role in public affairs is it gives her the opportunity to pay back and share the knowledge and skills so many have given her.

"The best stories are peoples' stories waiting to be told," Taylor said. "Not just the high profile, high ranking, but the people in the career fields and doing the jobs that make the high profile jobs glimmer."