Two 127th Wing Airmen were nationally recognized on Feb. 28, 2025, when the National Guard announced winners in the 2024 National Guard Media contest. Tech. Sgt. Andrew Schumann and Senior Airman Nathan Wingate, both public affairs specialists with the 127th Wing, brought home accolades.

“The individual and unit entries showcase the best of our public affairs talents in print, photography, videography and public affairs across the country,” Tracy O’Grady-Walsh, National Guard Bureau public affairs director, said. “We applaud the dedication and efforts that your Soldiers, Airmen and civilians give to our nation every day to bring the Guard story to the American public.”

The National Guard media contest is comprised of two media competitions — one each for the Army and Air Force. Members of the Air National Guard, like Schumann and Wingate, entered the competition named in honor of Chief Master Sgt. Douglas W. Morrell, a decorated combat photographer who earned two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and was held as a prisoner of war during World War II.

Today, the Morrell Media Awards program recognizes military and civilian public affairs practitioners and military musicians for excellence in outstanding achievements in furthering Air Force, Space Force and Department of Defense communication objectives. The MMA also fosters an environment of innovation and growth, leading to more effective communications programs.

The 2024 MMA was open to public affairs Airmen in the first six enlisted ranks. Schumann and Wingate submitted photos, audio, video and written products in many of the 22 eligible categories.

After being selected by the 127th Wing, their entries competed against public affairs Airmen at the 110th Wing. Michigan National Guard’s Joint Forces Headquarters public affairs then selected entries that went on to compete with enlisted Airmen across the ANG.

Schumann won the feature photo of the year for the Air National Guard with a surrealistic image taken during a snowstorm on Jan. 12, 2024.

The photo depicts the 127th Wing’s fleet of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft parked on the flight line with diagonally streaking snowfall. He found inspiration to take photos on a Friday evening when the rest of the base was heading home to beat the incoming snow.

“In a military environment, we’re capturing moments that might otherwise go unnoticed — expressions of dedication, camaraderie or military prowess,” Schumann said. “I focus on framing the shot in a way that draws people in and makes them feel something, whether they’ve worn the uniform or not.”

His photo did have an impact online; it was shared on Reddit where commenters debated whether it was a real image or a pencil sketch. Another image from the same photo shoot landed on the July/August 2024 cover of Air and Space Forces Magazine.

“Lighting, angles and timing are important, but storytelling is what truly makes a photo stand out,” Schumann said.

Schumann’s protégé, Wingate, also saw recognition in this year’s MMA, with a second place in the “video series” category with his podcast, “Welcome to Selfridge.” Initiated in July 2024, Wingate began the video podcast series to help introduce key leaders and Airmen.

“I started the podcast to bridge the gap between Airmen and the community, by explaining careers, interests and benefits,” Wingate said. “It’s a chance for Airmen to get exposed to career fields they wouldn’t typically interact with.”

The first video in Wingate’s contest entry introduced the Wing and surrounding community to the 127th Wing’s new command chief master sergeant, Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Hedrick, who had just come to Michigan after serving at the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C.

This outlet gave Hedrick the opportunity to share his mission and the commander’s priorities with Wing members and the community.

In the second video of the contest entry, Wingate interviewed Staff Sgt. Adam Kopczyk, a command support staff Airman whose career field is integral in keeping the Air Force running. CSS are the administrators of all personnel, training and reporting requirements that keep the units running smoothly and supporting leadership teams.

The 127th Wing public affairs mission is to connect the unit, Selfridge Air National Guard Base and community by serving as an information conduit.

The nine-person team is charged with telling the story of the Servicemembers and employees dedicated to the military missions housed at the largest Air National Guard installation in the country.

Penny Carroll, chief of public affairs, is proud of her team’s accolades and stresses the importance of sharing the Selfridge story around the world.

“The outstanding talent and skill of our public affairs Airmen continue to set the standard and winning the feature photo of the year for the National Guard is a testament to their dedication, creativity and mission impact,” Carroll said. “This achievement reflects the professionalism and excellence that define our public affairs team every day.”

Schumann’s photo submission will go on to compete in the final level of the 2024 MMA where it will be judged by Air Force public affairs. Whether he comes out on top, he says that winning isn’t about personal achievement, but being able to tell the Michigan National Guard story.

“The A-10 Thunderbolt represents Michigan air power. So if this photo resonates with people, then I’ve done my job correctly,” Schumann said. “Besides, what is more ‘Michigan’ than a ‘hawg’ in the snow?”