USAG YONGSAN -- It is difficult for talented individuals to go unnoticed, and this is especially the case in U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan. Community members were recognized for their skills in photography and in the field of arts and crafts during the annual Army Digital Photography Contest, Jan. 27, held at Commisky's Community Activity Center.
The annual contest is divided into two divisions -- active duty and eligible civilian patrons -- and there are seven categories, such as animals and design elements, in which participants can label their work under. There were a total of 200 pictures entered for the competition, of which 66 entries from 19 garrison winners were selected to advance to the next level -- IMCOM-G9.
"There's definitely a creative element that inspires me to take pictures," said Maj. Sean A. Phillips, operations chaplain, Eighth Army. "You're producing something that the human eye, or other people, might miss. I have found the whole process of capturing those moments to be very relaxing, and that's why photography has become one of my main hobbies."
As it is now an annual tradition, the winners of the contest were presented with mugs adorned with their submissions printed on the side, as well as certificates given by Jeffrey A. Wertz, the Director of Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation.
According to the USAG Yongsan Arts and Crafts Center, though the number of entries slightly decreased when compared to last year, the amount of diversity that could be found in the submissions was most notable about this year's contest.
"This year, the overall quality of the entries were very high," said Kim Un U, the program manager of the USAG Yongsan Arts & Crafts Center. "Last year, a few people submitted many entries that were highly acclaimed, but for this particular year, I have high hopes for the garrison winners who are going up to the next level."
The winning entries of the U.S. Army Arts & Crafts Contest, HQ level, were also recognized during the event. The four winning entries, some of which were created within the programs and facilities provided by the USAG Yongsan Arts & Crafts Center, included two first places and two second places.
The award ceremony concluded within the course of an hour, but the staff members who were part of the preparation process expressed that the effects go beyond that.
"I think there are lasting elements can be found within these contests," said Kim. "It doesn't just end with the submission because people who come across the pieces are moved. Later, that reinforces the overall effort in improving the quality of the submissions for the following year. Although military personnel and their families move in and out, the most interesting aspect about this annual event is that you can always see growth as time goes by."
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