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***image1***A local submission took third place in the second AAFES’ Patriot POG Photo Contest.
The photo by Tawny Campbell, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, was selected by a seven-person panel consisting of military and civilian personnel including AAFES Commander Brig. Gen. Keith Thurgood. Along with the other four winners, the photo will be displayed on 5-, 10- and 25-cent POGS used as change at 62 base exchanges and post exchanges throughout operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.
More than 2,500 images were entered in this year’s POG contest, with the judges picking five winners from a final photo pool of approximately 600. The images selected for the final 600 had to meet one of two criteria – they had to either capture the essence of OEF/OIF activities or depict support of America’s troops at home.
“The great thing about this contest is that it is a way for AAFES to tell the story about the troops and the connection they have with their families,” said General Thurgood. “It was very difficult narrowing down the winners because the images were very powerful and all told a great story.”
Developed in 2001 to facilitate retail operations in a war zone while adhering to Department of Defense restrictions on shipping coins downrange, the gift certificates known as “POGs” are flat, lightweight, coated disks used in place of heavy metal coins. While issued as change in the contingency theater, POGs are accepted at any BX/PX location worldwide.
Ms. Campbell, who won a $2,500 AAFES gift certificate for her photo’s third-place
finish, decided to use her winnings to support three charities – Project Portrait, Operation Angel and Project Rudolph Bags.
“Many people have seen the photo as part of Angel Bags handed out at LRMC and we have received many comments on how inspiring the photo is,” said Ms. Campbell. “It reminds people that even the youngest among us can make a huge difference when it comes to serving, especially serving our wounded heroes. My daughter, Ceilidha, is only 3 years old in this photo. I hope when people see the photo they will be inspired to do good and to use whatever resources they have on hand to make the lives of those around them a bit better. Even if it is a simple thing, like going for a walk with someone, we all have something to give.”
