Charmain Z. Brackett Correspondent The 2008/2009 Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware Award for Army Journalism recently honored Fort Gordon Public Affairs and the Signal newspaper and one of its correspondents.

The Signal newspaper staff was recognized with a third place award in the Metro Format Newspapers category.

Charmain Brackett, a regular contributor as a correspondent won a first place award and a third place award for her coverage of Wounded Warriors. Her first place recognition in the regional competition allows her work to move higher to the national level competition that will be decided later in the year. The 39- year-old award, named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware, is given out annually in several categories including television, radio, and print. Both individuals and entire media are recognized.

"The subject matter of wounded warriors is important to all military service members. And the people's stories that I wrote about were so compelling. It had very little to do with me. It is really about the Soldiers and their triumph in the face of adversity--life and death situations that are monumnetal and life changing," said Charmain Z. Brackett.

Photos by Nick Spinelli Nancy Martin Command Information Officer "I think a lot of our success has to do with the support of the people on and around the post. People are always very nice about letting us know when and where stuff is happening and helping us get the best information. It also helps that we have a great staff and great support from the post command," said Bonnie Heater.

"The Signal maintains a standard of excellence. One way we do that is to be as inclusive as possible. If something warrants attention, we do our best to cover it and keep the community informed," said Kayla Munroe.

"We don't just cover one thing. We try to offer a balance; not just between community news and military news, but also between Signal Command specific news and post wide news" said Siobhan Carlile."

"The Signal's success is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the staff. Their talent and professionalism always leads to timely and accurate work. They've built a great relationship with the community, which helps to ensure service members and their Families get the news they need," said Nancy Martin.

Siobhan Carlile Writer/Editor See this complete award winning issue and other archive editions of The Signal online at http://www.gordon.army.mil/pao/signalarchives.htm

Bonnie Heater Writer/Editor Kayla Munroe Intern This recognition is especially pleasing because the judges blindly designated an issue that all commands submitted to be evaluated in the competition. An award in this category says the paper meets a high standard day in and day out. We work hard at really serving the service members on post, their Families and retirees throughout the Central Savannah River Area in a way that consistently brings a high level of journalistic excellence to our readers. Larry Edmond Editor In the 14 years I've served here, I've watched the Signal staff continue to grow in abilities and expertise. While facing deadlines and a multitude of assignments, they never fail to produce a great product. James Hudgins Public Affairs Officer The front page of the Installation Management Command Southeastern Region award-winning Feb. 8, 2008 edition of The Signal News is shown at right.