The July Journalist of the Month, Staff Sgt. Brendan Mackie, shows the grit of a deployment to Afghanistan through his powerful images of U.S. Army soldiers. Mackie, who is deployed to Afghanistan with the 117th Mobile Public Affairs D more

The July Journalist of the Month, Staff Sgt. Brendan Mackie, shows the grit of a deployment to Afghanistan through his powerful images of U.S. Army soldiers. Mackie, who is deployed to Afghanistan with the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, also profiles coalition forces and local Afghans all of which help paint a picture of the Afghanistan seen by deployed service members.

"Staff Sergeant Mackie brings passion, creativity and determination to the public affairs profession," said 1st Lt. Veronica R. Aguila. "Though he is new to the public affairs field, having just graduated from the Defense Information School in December 2011, his talents as a photographer and writer have helped bring attention to the story of Afghanistan."

In one of his portrait photos, Mackie focuses on the dirt plastered face of Soldier Sgt. Tim Martin. One comment from the DVIDS Facebook page sums up the power of the photo, "…so much emotion without saying a word!" The photo has more than 100 Facebook likes and was shared more than 232 times.

Mackie profiles Martin again as he "provides security from the rear hatch of his Stryker vehicle during Operation Buffalo Thunder II." The U.S. Army and DVIDS shared the photo on Facebook. The photo has more than 10,773 likes and 813 shares combined between the U.S. Army and DVIDS Facebook pages.

After the two examples above, it is understandable why Mackie's photos have the highest number of image views on DVIDS for July. His photos also have the second highest number of image downloads and media distributions from DVIDS for July.

Media outlets have used his images more than almost all the other military journalists who submitted to DVIDS in July.

Aguila said Mackie "never says no to a mission. He will get out there and cover anything and everything. This determination has been essential in bringing the efforts of the U.S. Army, the International Security Assistance Force, the Afghanistan National Security Forces and the State Department in the Regional Command South area to the western and international audience."

Another one of Mackie's photos shows an Afghan Border Policeman checking a vehicle for contraband, but it is not just a regular vehicle. It is a small truck carrying cages of chickens strapped with ropes to the truck bed. The photo's subject helps paint the picture of the different world where troops are deployed.

Mackie also writes news articles that allow him to tell the story behind the images. For example, the image of the truck carrying chickens goes along with the article, "Afghan Border Police station open for 24-hour operations in Spin Boldak." In the article Mackie details the "colorful 'jingle' trucks [that] methodically line up at the traffic control point," and he explains how this checkpoint is unique: "It's open for business 24/7." Mackie's detailed descriptions and choice images make it easier for readers to visualize his subjects.

He may be new to the military journalism field, but Mackie's images and detailed articles illustrate the journalism skills he has already acquired and will build upon in the future.

"He is always looking for ways to improve his photography and writing skills. He is often out practicing his photography skills trying new techniques and researching new methods," Aguila added. "He readily shares passion and knowledge with his fellow photographers and journalist further amplifying and improving the capabilities in his public affairs team."  less