Assignments..
News and event photographers are a unique breed. You bear witness, you see the events that others see later.  You have to be objective and stand clear of the emotion, you have to be above it, you need the instincts of the hunter and the brazenness of a party crasher.  Rarely do you pick the assignments, you are chosen, some fun, some great and some so against anything you believe in.

Few things change your life and make you grow up as much as doing a bit of military time. I'll probably come under a hail of fire for this but I think mandatory service to your country is an essential part of the total development of the youthful citizen.  Our kids today have a free ride compared to other countries in the world.  In some cities just graduating high school might be a challenge since 74% don't. That's pathetic.

Service to our nation would avert many of the social problems the kids learn as they get the wrong kind of peer influence from the street. Nothing is as warm and friendly as a Drill Sergeant teaching table etiquette and proper military bearing to kids who just graduated the streets. I have had one CMS tell me a men are made from boys when the first close shot whizzes over their heads.  Good, you know where I stand!  I cover many military events. The military is steeped in tradition which means these events are generally very repetitious.  The photographer is the official recorder for all time of the pomp, and ceremony. 

Then there's the public relations stuff , the endless stories of what's going on about town.  I get that too.....

Happy 231st Birthday to the Army! 
Tampa,  Florida  (10 JUNE 06) 1800 Hrs.

The 2006 Army Birthday Ball celebrates 231 years of proud service to the nation. The ARMY BALL was once again at the A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa, Florida. Tampa is the home of the Central and Special Operations Commands at MacDill Air Force Base. Full dress uniform and black tie was the uniform of the evening.

The evening starts with the presentation of the Colors. It is usually followed by the traditional toasts to the Commander in Chief, the ARMY, the sister Services, Coalition Partners, the Community, the Mission,  Missing and Fallen Comrades, and to the ladies.  Almost 1000 attendees from the Army, other branches, and other coalition services celebrated the event.

This year 100 very special guests in attendance were from the Regional Medical Facility. They were the wounded, brave men and women of our services who received standing ovations during the evening.  Their fare was provided by generous donations of businesses through the AUSA.

The saber cake cutting ceremony was followed by the the first pieces presented to the oldest and youngest soldier present at the event.  New color streamers representing the recent armed engagements of the Army were added to the staff.

Entertainment was provided by the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus with their brilliant renditions of both popular and military based songs. They had the crowds attention with their A cappella group and solo versions. Two encores with permission of a senior officer and a standing ovation.  The band "Day Break" provided the dance music and accompaniment for vocals later in the evening.

The Streamer Ceremony  The 175 streamers attached to the Army Flagstaff denote campaigns fought by the Army throughout our nation's history.  Each streamer (2 3/4 inches wide and 4 feet long) is embroidered with the designation of a campaign and the year(s) in which it occurred.  The colors derive from the campaign ribbon authorized for service in that particular war.  The concept of the campaign streamers came to prominence in the Civil War when Army organizations embroidered the names of the battles on their organizational colors.

The Guest speaker was General Dan K. McNeil, Commanding General United States Army Forces Command. He is the commander of all active and reserve forces in the United States numbering about 750,000 troops.  It it his responsibility, to provide trained and ready soldiers for the needs of the regional commanders globally.

The evening concluded with the colors leaving the hall, followed by music and dancing.

PHOTOGRAPHER NOTES:
First you got to be invited, as most of the branches have combined the PR office with the graphics department and digital has changed the game so most things are because of threat "in-house".   They (because of security) really do screen the participants who are other than invited or active and at some events restrictions may be in force. Some of the party planners do not wish a Paparazzi party with both the solemnity of the occasion and Generals with short fuses being the reasons.  The lighting will be horrific. The streamer shot was available light with a 200mm and theatrical lighting. What light balance? Don't even think about it, half the time wing and a prayer work better.  There are times with the theatrical lighting, spots and red gels we just go with film and bigger strobes.

Happy 229th Birthday Marine Corps! 
Tampa Florida  (06 NOV 04)  The 2004 Marine Corps Birthday Party honors the Corps as it celebrates 229 years of proud service to this nation.  The party was held at the Marriott Waterside, adjacent to the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida.  Tampa is the home of the Central and Special Operations Commands at MacDill Air Force Base. Over 750 attended this full military dress, black tie affair.  The ranking officers in attendance then included: General Peter Pace, Vice-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, next in line and became the Chairman, since retired, General Bryan "Doug" Brown, Head of SOCOM, since retired, Major General John G. Castellaw, Chief of Staff, CENTCOM.

The participants and guests both active and retired were from the Central Command, Special Operations Command, the Marine Raiders Association, the Florida Marine Mustangs, Coalition partners and invited Civilian supporters. 

Though spirits were high, there were many times during the evening that brought reflection upon the honored history of the Corps. This evening was especially important as a reminder of the current situation  as Marines deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom face the largest task to date in that theatre...the City of Fallujah.  It goes without saying that Tampa Bay loves the Military  deserves the recognition it gets for it's support of the troops, their families and allied personnel. Dinner and dancing followed the ceremony.  

History of the Corps: 10 November 1775 - Congress passed the following resolution:
Resolved; that two Battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Majors & Officers as usual in other regiments, that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea, when required. That they be enlisted and commissioned for and during the present War between Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress. That they be distinguished by the names of first and second battalions of American Marines and that they be considered  a part of the number, which the continental Army before Boston is ordered to consist of.

Left: Guest of Honor General Peter Pace Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Right: Major General John G. Castellaw Chief of Staff, CENTCOM

The Cake Cutting is a traditional Marine Ceremony. When and where this tradition began remains unknown.  It also varies slightly depending on the dignitaries present at the ball.  First pieces of cake have been presented to newlyweds, the Secretary of the Navy, governors, and others, but generally speaking, the first pieces of cake go to the oldest and youngest Marines at the ball.  

THE CAKE CEREMONY

In Tampa the first piece of cake was offered to the guest of honor, in this case General Peter Pace, the Vice-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, then the oldest Marine present,  followed by the youngest Marine present. Another piece is solemnly presented to a designate setting at an empty table to represent attendance by fallen comrades.

At present, celebrations of the Marine Corps Birthday on 10 November differ at posts and stations throughout the Corps. All commemorations include the reading of Marine Corps Order No. 47, and the Commandant's message to those assembled.

Most commands sponsor a Birthday Ball of some sort, complete with pageant and cake ceremony as prescribed in the Marine Corps Manual. Like the Corps itself, the Birthday Ball developed from simple origins to become the polished, professional function that all Marines commemorate on 10 November around the world.

OLDEST AND YOUNGEST MARINE



The oldest Marine present at the ceremony is Sergeant Dean M. Lesnett, currently residing in Largo Florida. Sgt. Lesnett served during the second world war, was wounded three times and returned to the Marine Corps as a reservist.

The youngest (and what an honor to be part of this great traditional ceremony) is Lance Corporal
Benjamin Scott Pantzis who was was born 27 June 1985 in Sarasota, Florida.  He entered the Corps: 8 Sep 2003 and is currently assigned 5th Special Security Command Team (SSCT), 2^nd Marine Division. 

The Marine Corps has probably the nicest dress uniforms of any of the branches.  And the ceremonies certainly bring the color and style to bear.  That's what it's all about, the bearing of the troops from a one striper to the soon to become Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Peter Pace.

PHOTOGRAPHER NOTES:  Bring a backup flash! Especially once when the green kid from the Command brought her D70 and forgot a flash. Expect bad lighting, low levels of light mostly warm bulbs with projectors showing all sorts of visual graphics on the walls. Even the floors get the projector treatment (see the top photo) and according to St. Murphy-Lawes the projector will always be aimed right at you exactly where you are standing.  Unless you got a D3 and expect high ISO, flash is essential and you must observe a lot of courtesy and walking around to get the angles. This shot is actually a layered (2) and spliced to keep tones and noise within reason. I needed close and far in the same shot. Another shot I had to use the RAW combined with gradients to save. The D2H with small files doesn't help either since you are restricted because of distance.  Any closer and I would of been "tapped on the back" by the guys who had large pistols tucked in their cummerbunds.
 

Presidential Award for Tommy Franks.

(The Times Forum) Tampa Florida - These are photos of the private pre-ceremony party which took place before the Change of CENTCOM Command.

Retiring General Tommy Franks who led the war to liberate Afghanistan from the Taliban and Iraq from Saddam Hussein turned over the Regimental Colors to General John Abizaid.   Tommy Franks then retired after receiving the award from Donald Rumsfeld. 

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, who was the ranking official at the ceremony spoke of the importance of these two warriors in the battle against terrorism.   Who knew at this time there were three years of door to door fighting and 4000 American Troops Killed in Action awaiting us. 

Poor after planning and a lack of good intelligence left us in an unfavorable position in the world, economically, strategically, politically and with ramifications and debt our children will have to absorb. 

In attendance were friends of the General and Mrs. Franks. Mr. Robert Di Nero, Mr. Neal McCoy, Mr. Wayne Newton and various local dignitaries.  Wayne Newton donates many unselfish hours to the USO and entertaining our troops overseas along with many of the stars that appeared at the Freedom Concert.

PHOTOGRAPHERS NOTES:
&^%$#(*&@#  ( No comment) St. Murphy Lawes provided the lighting streaming in through the windows at sundown but once again enough yellow to make a lot of tough shooting even with a balance as the glass ( enormous plate glass windows) were slightly tinted also.  Actually this is the restaurant at the Forum in Tampa, home of the Tampa bay Lightning and not usually used for this kind of venue.  So once again you don't know what you got till you get there and then you work it out.  Look in the glass at the back near the flag and there is still yellow after we made two pulls.
 

USCCMF FUNDRAISER - SPEAKER GENERAL TOMMY FRANKS


September 1, 2003 Hyatt Hotel, Tampa, Florida-  Guest Speaker  Gen. Tommy Franks (USA Ret.)
A guest appearance and speech by the architect of the "March to Baghdad" , the fast assault on the regime of Saddam Hussein and his gang of thugs.  

This was followed months later by the "Mission Accomplished " statement by the President which officially started the grand five year war of insurgency  which continues on today. 

General Franks returned to his home state after retirement serving his country above and beyond the call of duty.

Today he makes frequent appearances on the speaking circuit.  Many of the Generals who retired in the past five years have served the Central Command ( CENTCOM) with the latest field commander being General Petraeus appearing about every five months in front of Congress.


 

THE ST. PETE TIMES FORUM

(The Times Forum - TAMPA -June 11th, 2003)     An incredible evening,  a musical  “Thank You” to our servicemen and their families at the St. Pete Times Forum.  The concert was attended by over 13,000 service members, retires and their families. 

Among those Country music’s best were Charlie Daniels, Lee Greenwood, Jo Dee Messina, Darryl Worley, Chris Cagle, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Ashley Gearing and a surprise solo by General Tommy Franks who brought the house down. 

But the real stars were in the audience...

The concert, which was free to all attendees, drew over 13,000 people, and was attended by Gen. Tommy Franks. Gov. Jeb Bush and Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio who served as the Honorary Chairs of the event.

The concerts goal was to recognize all members of the military and was being held in Tampa, because it's the home of the U.S. Central Command, Special Operations Command and MacDill Air Force Base. The concert is part of the Department of Defense’s “Operation Tribute to Freedom,” a sustained and widespread program of activities in appreciation of our men and women in uniform and the families that support them.

 

The Coalition Dinner 
13 JUL2003 TAMPA- Sponsored by Pepin Distributing, Outback Steakhouse, and Busch Gardens, at the A La Carte Pavilion, Tampa Bay, Florida with over 40 countries participating.

The food was incredible. Provided by OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE Catering. Pepin Distributing handled the libation and the entertainment was provided by Busch Gardens.  To preserve the fun of the evening and let all attending have a great time, we limited the amount of photography. 

The Outback Steakhouse Corporation was honored by the Army for their participation in "Operation OUTBACK",  One, Two and Three.  Over 12,000 meals delivered to our troops in Afghanistan to give our soldiers a taste of home.  A truly remarkable, unselfish gift by an outstanding American Corporation. 

In addition other companies such as Anheuser-Busch and Pepin Distributors deserve merit for what they do for our troops.  Coalition dinners and other events hosted by these great friends of the Military go unnoticed in the press, it's not about recognition... it's about giving.

And the Tampa Bay Community knows how to give. It goes without saying that Tampa Bay loves the Military and that the Military loves Tampa Bay.  Mentioned and toasted at the reception, Tampa Bay truly deserves the recognition it deserves for it's support of the troops, their families and allied personnel.  Companies such as The Outback Steakhouse and others have led the way.

Right: Gen. Abizaid- Paul Avery President Outback           

PHOTOGRAPHERS NOTES:   Darkest room I ever shot in with streaming red and blue searchlights. You get there and then you work it out.  I made half the shots Black and White, the paper didn't care and ate like a champ ( the good part)
 

Governor Jeb Bush Launches Reading Program
(TAMPA - 14 Sept 2006) Governor Jeb Bush today launched Read Together, Florida, the annual one state-one book reading promotion initiative.

This year's program features The Zero Game by Florida-based author Brad Meltzer. Floridians are encouraged to read the book during the month of October which will include community events at libraries, bookstores and Starbucks locations, an online crossword puzzle game, an essay contest for high school students and a grand prize, drawing for a trip to Washington, DC, with the author.

The promotion is part of the Governor's Family Literacy Initiative, managed by the nonprofit Volunteer Florida Foundation

"Reading transforms lives. It is the key to opening up the doors of opportunity and achieving success," said Governor Bush. "Since 1999, we have strived to make reading a family value through our family literacy initiative. Read Together, Florida is an expansion of that great idea, and I encourage all families to participate in this year's event by reading The Zero Game.'" 

Today's announcement took place at the West Tampa Library in Tampa, a historic library where cigar factory lectors once chose the day's reading selection to be read aloud to workers. 

Read Together, Florida is the state's annual promotion to enhance the love of reading by encouraging entire communities to read together.  

Photographers Notes:  This one was a gas. Indoor-outdoor in a difficult venue because when you stuff sixty people into an area that normally holds twenty things get tight. And that didn't include the bodyguards and three different police departments.  The funny part was with all the protection for the Governor and brother of the President the new library is in a "difficult area" and we were approached looking for a parking spot by some dubious charming dealers.  So you look for height, I found a low back wall and grabbed the longer glass and stayed out of the foray of mikes and booms and questions., caught an opening between two shoulder units and grabbed the shot.
 

The Ground Breaking  and  Dedication
Ceremony of The New Facility
 

The vision for the next five years and beyond is to create a non-profit learning center for students of all ages to learn from hands-on environmental activities that motivate them to continue to support the renewal and restoration of our coastal ecosystems for future generations.

The marine center and educational facility on Tampa Bay will serve as program headquarters and provide opportunities for students to "dig in" and "get dirty" as they apply classroom principles in real life scientific projects that carry out the bay renewal and habitat restoration work of Tampa Bay Watch.

     Our Capital Campaign is underway to accomplish the following goals:

• Recruit 5,000 - 6,000 urban students and other youth groups each year to become involved in hands-on restoration projects for the bay.

• Reach a much larger segment of the bay area population by providing state-of-the-art facilities for large-scale environmental programs.

• Establish and maintain more salt marsh nurseries onsite and in area schools.

• Build hundreds of additional seawall oyster reefs for waterfront locations and install new oyster shell bars in Tampa Bay each year.

• More adequately preserve the quantity, quality and diversity of bay plant communities by restoring thousands of acres of sea grass and salt marsh and protecting the area's existing acreage.

     To reach these goals, Tampa Bay Watch is in the process of securing necessary facility and program resources, including:

• The construction of a state-of-the-art marine station and education center

• An education vessel to transport students to restoration sites

• An education endowment to sustain and grow our school and community environmental education programs

Tampa Bay Watch has set the goal for our capital campaign at $4.5 million. We have secured our program headquarters location at Cunningham Key near Ft. De Soto Park in St. Petersburg and begun construction on an office facility. This fantastic location will give students and Tampa Bay residents the opportunity to experience the bay first-hand and to encourage them to protect it for future generations. To date we have raised, $1.2 million, but in order achieve our goals we need to raise additional funds to accomplish our mission.

Tampa Bay Watch, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit stewardship program dedicated exclusively to the charitable and scientific purpose of protecting and restoring the marine and wetland environments of the Tampa Bay estuary, the largest open water estuary in the State of Florida.  By expanding community involvement in hands-on restoration and protection projects around the bay, we strive to counteract the huge loss of wetland habitat over the past 100 years. Tampa Bay Watch trains and organizes citizen volunteers, students, at-risk youth, and civic organizations to participate in environmental projects while heightening community awareness of the fragile nature and importance of the environment.
Please see their website:  http://www.tampabaywatch.org/

PHOTOGRAPHER'S NOTES:
Al Jacobson gets Captured by other photographer while conversing with Congressman Bill Young (R)

Al defended himself  by saying "he has known Congressman Young for almost 27 years or as long as he has been in Congress.

"Congressman Young has  done a great job for the State and especially the Tampa Bay region".