The 158th Fighter Wing received three first-place awards in the National Guard Bureau’s 2020 Contest, and Public Affairs Specialist Julie Paroline was named runner-up for Air National Guard communicator of the year, the Vermont adjutant general announced March 12.

“These awards highlight the remarkable talent of our 158th Fighter Wing public affairs team,” Maj. Gen. Greg Knight said. “They are truly outstanding and continue to help showcase our Vermont National Guard team to share the great work you are all doing.”

The 158th FW video “Year in Review 2020,” a five-minute video showcasing the Vermont Air National Guard’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other events of 2020, received the Long-Form Production award. A 3:56 video titled “Northern Lighting,” covering an F-35 Lightning II training exercise at Volk National Guard Base, Wisconsin, received the Short-Form Production Award. A three-minute video produced by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ryan Campbell, featuring behind-the-scenes footage of F-35s at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, received the Video Documentation – B-Roll award. Campbell’s 2:39 video covering Southern Lightning at Eglin AFB received third place for best video spot.

Paroline’s submissions for communicator of the year include photojournalistic coverage of the Vermont National Guard’s virtual workshop with the African Military Education Program school in Africa; a news story covering the establishment of the Air National Guard’s first F-35 low observable shop; a photo of F-35 pilot Col. Nate Graber preparing to support a flyover honoring first responders; and video stories about World War II veteran Roger Layn’s 100th birthday as well as a command message about mental wellness from 158th FW leadership.

“Congratulations to these professionals,” Knight said. “Job well done.”