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Jim Howard - In Focus |
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Technical Sergeant Jim Howard joined the Arts & Crafts center at RAF Lakenheath, just six years ago. The Arts & Crafts Director, Keith Beaumont, discovered Howard while he was entering his photos in the annual photography contest. This was Howard’s third successive year to enter the competition and his photographs were exceptional, but what stood out even more was his friendly helpful manner and warm smile. All of this, plus the fact that Howard would soon be retiring from active duty, prompted Beaumont to offer him a job. Howard has had a major impact on the program. In six years he’s expanded the photography program from a Do-It-Yourself makeshift bathroom/darkroom into a professional multi-media center featuring black and white and color photography, darkroom developing, a professional portrait studio, outdoor sports/events shoots, digital imaging and instant printing service and banner printing. |
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He has independently researched and put together a fully professional photographic studio including a state-of-the-art Chromakey backdrop for greenscreen digital imaging, a Nikon Digital Camera and associated software and numerous popular props. He works in conjunction with other USAF Services activities in order to schedule appointments for facility staff board photos, community events such as Youth Sports and holiday photo shoots at the community center. He also provided an additional service to customers who were signing up for their “Princess Party” at the community center, by setting up a full studio. Howard charged a reduced sitting fee and offered 11 different package choices. Aside from creating a photographic heaven for his customers, he’s taken over the heat sealing and dry mounting operation from the busy Frame Shop. As if that weren’t enough – he represents the whole Arts & Crafts Program at Newcomers Briefings where he promotes the benefits of the Arts & Crafts, Wood Crafts and Auto Hobby programs to 35 – 50 new arrivals weekly. Howard’s final contribution to the Arts and Crafts center has been through his banner design and development. Using state-of-the-art Corel Draw & Adobe Photoshop software, Jim creates “Welcome Home” banners for families of returning deployed Airmen as well as the regular “Happy Birthday” and “Good Luck” messages. Of course all his outstanding efforts have not gone unnoticed; Howard has been awarded numerous cash bonuses and won Quarterly Award recognition. However, his greatest reward is his customers’ happiness, who always receive knowledgeable service, hard work, and a big smile from him. |
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