Eielson Airmen ascend 'Above All' in ad campaign

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shad Eidson
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  At the end of February, two 354th Fighter Wing Airmen were surprised to discover that their work was an integral part of the Air Force's newest ad campaign -- Above All.

Two of the campaign's posters, which represent one third of the campaign's poster set, were made from photographs taken by Staff Sgt. Tia Schroeder and Airman 1st Class Jonathan Snyder, both assigned to the wing's public affairs shop.

Sergeant Schroeder's poster is titled 'Americas Airmen - Nothing more beautiful than the Stars and Stripes.'

"I was in total awe. It's a big accomplishment to have your photo to be used as an air force campaign poster," said Sergeant Schroeder, who shot the photo during a deployment to support Operation Iraqi Freedom last year. "I felt very honored to have my photo chosen and to have that poster not only represent the campaign, but also represent Airmen as a whole."

Airman Snyder's poster is titled 'Vigilance - Relax, an Airman is on the job.'

"It definitely makes me feel like I accomplished something over there," said Airman Snyder, who also shot the photo during his deployment last year. "I think it was a great representation for what he was doing over there because, in my opinion, one of the toughest jobs is being part of force protection."

Both Airmen deployed to document the mission and show people back home what Airmen are doing to support Operations Iraqi freedom and Enduring Freedom.

"I think the fact we have two Airmen with posters in the campaign shows the sort of talent we have coming out of Eielson air force base," Sergeant Schroeder said.

The Above All campaign, which will be featured on television, in print and in cyberspace, is designed to explain the critical role the Air Force plays in America's future so that Americans understand how dominance of air, space and cyberspace helps defend America in today's changing world.

"The new slogan is admittedly a bold one," said Col. Michael Caldwell, deputy director of Air Force public affairs, "but so are Airmen." This campaign accurately portrays Airmen and how they're executing the Air Force mission to ensure the security and safety of America now and in the future.

"'Above All' is about what we do and how we do it," Colonel Caldwell said. "The job of the Air Force is to defend America and we do that by dominating air, space and cyberspace. The new campaign and slogan captures our roots, but also illustrates where we're going as a service as the Air Force prepares to contend with future threats.

"When anyone in our Air Force family sees an 'Above All' ad, we hope it reminds them that their role is important to America," Colonel Caldwell said. "This campaign makes it clear the Air Force's mission 'Above All' is national defense and protecting the American people."