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Visual Information Specialist
US Department of Defense
Jan 2010 - Present (14 years 11 months)
• • Currently provide Presentations, Audio Video equipment setup and Conference Room Operations, Video Teleconferencing and Graphic Design in support of the Commander of United States Air Forces in Europe and Africa
• Recognized by the White House Communications Agency for superior Audio Video and Video Conferencing support to the White House during Michelle Obama's visit to Ramstein Airbase, Germany
• Provide direct graphics and presentation support for US military Generals, Senior NATO Officers and Global Dignitaries
• Primary Visual Information Specialist having provided audio visual products and services for the US Army Reserve Command, and as secondary VTC operator for 3 video-teleconference systems
• Lead Visual Information Specialist, providing all graphics, audio visual products, services and photography required by the installation and tenant organizations at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant. Administered, monitored, and evaluated operating expenditures, as well as prepared future operating budget estimates.
• Shot over 2,500 Photographs covering base operations, VIP tours, ceremonies and equipment
• Senior Visual Information Manager in Balad, Iraq, Oversaw all multimedia and graphic projects to include the online information portal for the Brigade Headquarters. Operated and maintained all VTC and IT related equipment.
• Developed comprehensive command public information, media relations and community relations programs to convey information and policy concerning AFSB to soldiers, Department of Defense civilians and contractors serving the Brigade Headquarters
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Freelance
Personal
1985 - Present (39 years)
I have worked as a graphic artist for a, now defunct, local screen printing company in Terre Haute, Indiana as well as accomplishing freelance art work for local bands. I have been working in Art since 1989, and began learning computers in 1984. I have been following and working with technology on a daily basis for 20+ years. I have started and operated several small online businesses involving creating products as well as selling digital goods. I have built multiple social media campaigns to promote these endeavors including updating customers on upcoming designs, marketing various products on social media and using social media to communicate with customers.
• Designing and building home networks, hardware firewalls, graphic and video gaming computer systems
• Modifying computer hardware and video game systems
• Writing, recording and mixing music
• Designing Websites
• Selling photos online
• Started 5 different online stores to sell creative products
• Organized and operated social media campaigns for selling various products
• Operate a domain name service
• Run social media accounts, and post on over 15 different platforms on a daily basis.
• Integrated production and sales of products with self-built website
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Multimedia Illustrator
US Army Reserve
Nov 2007 - Jul 2010 (2 years 8 months)
7th Civil Support Command (CSC) - Served as a graphic artist in support of the 7th CSC Command Staff. In training to be a broadcaster based on my knowledge and background in video editing.
•Designed the pamphlets, online graphics and other art work for the 7th CSC formal ball
•Designed the graphics materials used in the 7th CSC "Guardian Shield" training exercise
•Built the 7th CSC Commanders "Blue Book", an informational guild for the entire command
•Designed multiple graphics projects for the 7th CSC and 21st TSC
•Shot over 200+ photos for the 7th CSC in support of training, operations and recognition events
84th Training Command (TC) - Encompassing expert knowledge in the operation of sophisticated audiovisual equipment to include video and audio recorders, microphones, switchers, digital and analog audio systems. Designed and developed course-training materials for online use as well as distribution media. Expert in performing a variety of duties associated with video productions:
•Enhanced online courseware for the Army's Basic Unit Movement Course (BUMC)
•Significantly contributed to the upgrade of online courseware for the Army's retention information, and training course
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Visual Information Specialist
US Department of Defense
Nov 2007 - Jan 2010 (2 years 2 months)
Fort McCoy - While working in online interactive content development, I used expert knowledge in sophisticated audiovisual equipment to include video and audio recorders, microphones, switchers, digital and analog audio systems. I designed and developed course-training materials for online use as well as both digital and analog distribution media.
McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (MCAAP)
By upgrading the strategic visual communications capabilities of our installation to meet the demands of today's changing information environment, I directed the technical and managerial aspects of the transition. As the primary Visual Information Specialist I provided all audio and visual information (VI) products and services required by the installation and tenant organizations. I Administered, monitored, and evaluated operating expenditures, I prepared future operating budget estimates.
•Coordinated the design and installation of a base-wide visual communications system allowing the commander to disseminate information as video, audio, or presentation in real time base wide
•Shot over 2,500 Photographs covering base operations, VIP tours, ceremonies and equipment
•Initiated and lead the redesign of the base newspaper,
Balad - As the commands Public Affairs Specialist & Senior Visual Information Specialist in the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) Public Affairs Office, I provided staff oversight of AFSB media relations and community relations efforts within the command. I developed comprehensive command public information media relations and community relations programs to convey information and policy concerning AFSB to soldiers, department of defense civilians and contractors serving the Brigade Headquarters.
•Established and maintained working relationships with members of the Joint Base Balad field offices, and specialized groups interested in AFSB war fighting programs
•Operated VTCs and developed digital graphics projects for the AFSB
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Operations Manager
Visual Aids Electronics
Mar 2007 - Nov 2007 (8 months)
Integrating conceptual thinking and strong teamwork, I accomplished the setup and layout of large-scale audio/video productions. Using a customer service oriented approach I created dynamic set productions. Personally trained new employees in analytical thinking to create set designs as well as repair audio/video equipment. Actively integrating empathy into overall customer relations, I created a calm and cooperative work environment. Integrity, experience and education helped me achieve excellent customer service.
•Proficiently setup, operated, and synchronized conferences for the Governor of Illinois
•Supervised major conferences for “American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees” (AFSCME)
•Lead technician for major speaking engagements to include Chris Gardner (Award winning author of The Pursuit of Happiness)
•Setup, operated, and synchronized lighting for major conferences in Springfield, IL and Lexington, KY
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Visual Information Specialist
US Air Force
Jan 2002 - Mar 2007 (5 years 2 months)
Distinguished as the lead multimedia designer at Langley Air Force Base, my body of work has included graphics design, photography, video editing, presentations, and video teleconferencing. I have expertly completed projects for all levels of command to include the ACC Commander, General Hornberg and the Pentagon. In Iraq, I created and expanded the online communication capabilities of our Public Affairs and Visual Information offices by building a sustainable and updatable online portal for all in country and external personnel to find current operations information.
•Shift leader for video editing team in Operation Iraqi Freedom - 421st FW, Balad, Iraq
•Designed the “Comm that got Saddam” coin for the 442nd AEG Communications while serving in Baghdad, Iraq
•Facilitated 50+ VTCs for Group Leaders up through Senior Line Executives
•Operated as the Langley AFB “Multimedia Non Commissioned Officer in Charge” (NCOIC)
•Designed and operated the presentations for the Airmen and NCO of the Year awards in 2002, for which I received a special 4 star Generals Coin handed out only on that day
•Constructed nine display boards, and self teaching lecture aids for 1st MDS Hinman Table Clinic Seminar, earning a personal award from the Medical Group Commander
•Created information package for 1st LRS for an Air Force wide competition, this earned LRS national nomination as "Best Fuels Flight in the Air Force", I received a personal award from LRS Commander for helping the unit achieve high acclaim
•Directly supported over 1,500 coalition personnel in Operation Iraqi Freedom with two OIF tours
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Combat Manuever Trainer
US Army
Apr 1998 - Sep 2001 (3 years 5 months)
Moving quickly from an entry-level driver position, to Track Commander for the Battalion XO, I distinguished myself as an expert trainer. Proving my worth as a professional, promotion to shift leader of the base Regimental Tactical Operations Center was rapid. Controlling over 250 troops during each training cycle I was also in charge of the safety and welfare of each. Hard work earned me distinction as a top-notch trainer. Directly involved in training over 2250 military personnel.
•Distinguished as an excellent driver, earning the Army’s “Expert Drivers Badge” for tracked vehicles
•Moved quickly from track commander to RTOC shift leader
•Lead troops as a team leader and later as squad leader
•Ran missions as commander of a five vehicle attack force that included three armored personnel carriers and two tanks
•Chosen to lead in a two-man team for special training operations
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Graphic Artist
Indiana Air National Guard
Nov 1995 - Apr 1998 (2 years 5 months)
•Created various office productions, Brochures, Book Covers, Assisted Photographers in Monthly drill duties.