Charleston Reservist wins top Air Force photographer award Published March 26, 2024 By Michael Dukes 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Staff Sgt. Joseph Leveille, of the 315th Airlift Wing’s 4th Combat Camera Squadron here at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, was named Air Force Military Photographer of the Year this week. Leveille’s winning photo package included images he captured of joint-force operations in Djibouti, as well as Kenya. It also included images from Coast Guard training operations here in Charleston. A U.S. Army soldier attached to Task Force Wolfhound stands on a rocky hillside to assess an ambush site during Exercise WAKRI 23 at Arta Range Feb. 21, 2023. WAKRI is an annual French led exercise which strengthens the joint capabilities of French and U.S. forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph P. LeVeille) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res "Congratulations to Staff Sgt. Joseph Leveille for his well-deserved recognition as the 2023 Air Force Military Photographer of the Year. Through his exceptional images, Leveille eloquently communicates the bravery and dedication of our armed forces," said Col. Stephen Lanier, 315th Airlift Wing commander, applauding Leveille's significant contribution to showcasing the U.S. military's narrative. “The outstanding entries in this year's competition are proof of the hard work and excellence our public affairs and [Air Force] band Airmen and Guardians bring to the Air Force and Space Force every day,” said Jerry Renne, Department of the Air Force Public Affairs director, in an e-mail message announcing the winners. “Thank you all for your continued excellence in telling our Air and Space Forces stories.” A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules assigned Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 (VMGR-352), prepares for takeoff at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 2, 2023. VMGR-352 provides both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aerial refueling capabilities in addition to assault air transport of personnel, equipment, and supplies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph P. LeVeille) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Leveille’s award winning entry will go on to compete at the Department of Defense level to compete with the best photographers of the U.S. military. Leveille has been with the 4th CTCS since June 2021. A Kenyan child walks with U.S. Army soldiers on a patrol in Magogoni Village, Kenya, May 26, 2023. The purpose of the Army’s presence in Magogoni village is to foster positive relations with the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph P. LeVeille) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The 4th CTCS trains, equips and deploys Airmen to capture Air Force operations and support the DoD and Joint Services through visual imagery and written stories. They provide ground and aerial Combat Camera capabilities anytime, anywhere.