24 Jo 1 Robert Benson Image: NARA & DVIDS Public Domain Archive Public Domain Search}

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1998 Title: Kabuki Man Category: Portrait/Personality Place: First Place PortfolioBright colors painted on the face of Yusuke Honda hint in no small way at the Kabuki background he enjoys. The character he portrays in the traditional form of Japanese theater is the Jackal - a mischievious, sneaky and sometimes evil personality. (The shot was made to illustrate the Far East for a themed Fifth Fleet issue of the All Hands magazine)

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1998 Title: SEAL Man Sees Category: Illustration Place: Second Place Illustration An unnamed Seal from Little Creek, Va. displayed new night vision goggles which let him peer into the darkness. The goggles are waterproof, making them different from all others. The photo was made to illustrate how technological advances aid the SEAL community and the U.S. Special Operations community

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1998 Title: Water Hell Category: Feature Place: Honorable Mention Feature/First Place PortfolioTwenty thousand gallons per minute is flooding the engine room and the sub is sinking fast, but these two crew members continue damage control work with dogged determination. They have a ruptured pipe to seal, and although this is a flooding trainer at Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Conneticut, they treat is as if it were real

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1998 Title: Sideline Shock Category: Sports Place: First Place PortfolioThe football team's water girls may know it best: A year of victories is instantly erased after their team from Centreville High School loses to Hylton High in the Virginia State Championship playoff match. All hopes are dashed, all dreams are gone, and all the good times have come to an end

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1998 Title: A Fine Navy Day Category: Combat Camera Place: Honorable Mention Combat Camera/ First Place PortfolioThe Navy's newest Ohio-Class Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine, the USS Louisiana, gets a stress test from mother nature's eight foot waves during pre-deployment sea trials. The sub, sailing off the Florida coast, was near Hurricane Mitch, but the resulting weather phased the ship none. Commissioned in early 1998, Louisiana is the last of it's class; the crew proudly admits, "they saved the best for last."

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1998 Title: Numb After Loss Category: Sports Place: Second Place Sports/First Place PortfolioCenterville High School defensive back Josh Mosser is numb after his team loses to a rival in the Group AAA division 6 state semifinal football match in South Lakes, Virginia

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1998 Title: Splish Splash Category: Sports Place: Honorable Mention SportsA Naval Academy water polo player rockets out of the water to stop an incoming shot at the Naval Academy pool

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1998 Title: Shock Category: News Place: First Place PortfolioShe's burdened by a cane and wheelchair, but come rain or shine, 92-year-old Louis Miller was determined to attend a protest on the grounds of the Pentagon. After a moving speech from a key note speaker, she is overcome with emotion

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1998 Title: Speaking from the Heart Category: News Place: First Place PortfolioIn a "Fight for the Cure" Cancer rally on the National Mall, a speaker pours from the heart as she speaks out against the disease that claims thousands every year. More than 20,000 attended the rally, including a large representation by military members from local commands

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1998 Title: Practice Makes Perfect Category: Picture Story Place: First Place PortfolioMembers of the Ceremonial Drill Team in Washington, D.C. spend countless hours practicing precision drill movements with rifles and making sure the uniforms are in excellent condition before any public performance. The 20-member team routinely appears at ceremonial events throughout the area

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1999 TITLE: "Fighting for Attention" CATEGORY: Portfolio PLACE: First Place Portfolio CAPTION INFORMATION: "Oh brother, there he goes again!" The thought may have entered her head as Bahar Cosar, a Turkish child displaced after last year's killer earthquake, gets miffed by her brother Enis who fights for face time with the camera. The kids, living in a tent city, became very excited whenever the American military came to deliver food and aid. IMAGE FILE #DD-SP-01-0036

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1999 TITLE: "Aft Boat Spray" CATEGORY: Portfolio PLACE: First Place Portfolio CAPTION INFORMATION: A Surface Warfare Combat Craftsman gets a view from the rear as he blends into a night canopy of trees and water spray from the high horsepower engines on the rear of the combat boat. The unit was training in Fort Knox, KY. IMAGE FILE #DD-SP-01-0038

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1999 TITLE: "Speed Swimmer" CATEGORY: Sports PLACE: First Place Sports/First Place Portfolio CAPTION INFORMATION: HM3 Kevin Montford, an Olympic hopeful, pushes off for another lap in the pool at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. Shot made underwater looking up with flash to freeze him and slow shutter for blur. IMAGE FILE #DD-SP-01-0062

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1999 TITLE: "Those We Help" CATEGORY: Picture Story PLACE: First Place Picture Story CAPTION INFORMATION: After Turkey's devastating earthquake that killed thousands of people last year, the American military assisted in recovery efforts. Sailors from ships worked side by side with Marines and Airmen in setting up tents, distributing food and giving medical care. IMAGE FILE #DD-SP-01-00031

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1999 TITLE: Gunslinger CATEGORY: Portfolio PLACE: First Place Portfolio CAPTION INFORMATION: Armed to the teeth with heavy fifrepower, ICI(CC) Marcus Rivchin looks like he just survived a battle of heroic proportions. IMAGE FILE #DD-SP-01-00035

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1999 TITLE: "Broken Hearted Man" CATEGORY: Portrait PLACE: Third Place Portrait CAPTION INFORMATION: Bilgen Ozbek uses an umbrella to offset the rain falling at a Turkish "tent city" but he probably wouldn't even notice if he were without the rain blocker: many of his friends and loved ones were killed days earlier in Turkey's killer earthquake. (Service members from all branches helped in recovery efforts) IMAGE FILE #DD-SP-01-00059

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1999 TITLE: "Boot Camp Basics" CATEGORY: Portfolio PLACE: First Place Portfolio CAPTION INFORMATION: As the father figure for more than 80 recruits, PO1 Michael Lucas has an enormous responsibility. "This job can drain you mentally and physically," said Lucas, whose job extends into wee and late hours. IMAGE FILE #DD-SP-01-0037

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1999 TITLE: "Going Down" CATEGORY: Sports PLACE: Honorable Mention Sports CAPTION INFORMATION: Coppin State wrestler, Micah Mincey, forces U.S. Naval Academy wrestler, Tyrone Neal, down to the mat. Neal lost the match to Mincey 8 to 5. IMAGE FILE #DD-SP-01-0066

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1999 TITLE: "Gas Mask Mania" CATEGORY: Feature PLACE: Third Place Feature CAPTION INFORMATION: Navy recruits experience mild tear gas effects inside the "confidence chamber" at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes. IMAGE FILE #DD-SP-01-00009

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1999 TITLE: "Herndon" CATEGORY: Portfolio PLACE: First Place Portfolio CAPTION INFORMATION: The goal sounds simple enough: working together, scale a 21-foot monument that is covered with lard, and fetch a Navy hat from atop. Still, it usually takes the Annapolis Naval Academy midshipmen hours to do it. The event is designed to reward students on finishing the plebe year. IMAGE FILE #DD-SP-01-0034

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1999 TITLE: "Wondrous Water" CATEGORY: Pictorial PLACE: Second Place Pictorial CAPTION INFORMATION: YNSN Jessica Mendoza takes a dip in the waters near Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. The picture was taken for a story about diving in Puerto Rico. IMAGE FILE #DD-SP-01-00023

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1999 TITLE: "Welcome Home Dream Come True" CATEGORY: Portfolio PLACE: First Place Portfolio CAPTION INFORMATION: After assisting the military and people of Turkey, members of the Fairfax Search and Rescue team are welcomed home at Andrews Air Force Base. Their flight home was on an Air Force jet; the ceremony on base was coordinated by Air Force personnel. IMAGE FILE #DD-SP-01-0032

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1999 TITLE: "Cruising for a Bruisin'" CATEGORY: Sports PLACE: Second Place Sports CAPTION INFORMATION: CTR3 Tommy Board travelled from his duty station in Japan to compete in a BMX competition in Louisville, KY. Board, in blue, flies down a dirt hill without wrecking; others were not as lucky. IMAGE FILE #DD-SP-01-0063

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Military Photographer of the Year Winner 1999 TITLE: "Longest Day" CATEGORY: Portfolio PLACE: First Place Portfolio CAPTION INFORMATION: Midshipman 4th Class joined 1,000 of his fellow Annapolis Naval Academy students in an event called Sea Trials: a full day of continuous, sometimes grueling exercises. IMAGE FILE #DD-SP-01-0033

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: JO1 Robert Benson Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files