WHMC Air Force graphic illustrator wins DoD award Published April 14, 2009 By Senior Airman Robert Barnett 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Master Sgt William Vance was named Military Graphic Illustrator of the Year March 10 for the second year in a row, an accomplishment that has never happened before. The award will be presented May 29 at the Defense Information School at Fort Meade, Maryland. The Visual Information Awards Program is designed to recognize excellence among military photographers, videographers, journalists and graphic artists for their achievements. The program operates under the guidance of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and is administered by the commandant of the Defense Information School, with cooperation from national and local professional organizations. "The fact that I've accomplished this has been a huge honor," said Sergeant Vance, superintendant of the 59th Medical Wing Medical Multimedia Center. He has been a graphic illustrator for about 12 years, retraining from Security Forces in 1997. As well as taking the honor of Military Graphic Illustrator of the Year, Sergeant Vance also placed second in the fine art category with "Chief" and in the illustration with "PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder...one piece at a time." His work "Army Shooter" also received an honorable mention in the same category. His skill level evolved smoothly over the years, increasing his talent as he increased in rank. "As the traditional arts go, I've been blessed with a natural talent. In most cases I can observe another artist in his or her craft and pick it up just by watching," said Sergeant Vance. "I've had some very good teachers who taught me a lot and had the patience to stop what they were doing when I had a question. I also learned from the not-so-helpful of what NOT to do. Both helped me get where I am today, winning this award twice." Sergeant Vance will remain Medical Multimedia Center manager until his retirement in January. "Ideally, I'd love to return to the 59th Medical Wing and continue supporting in an illustrator capacity," said Sergeant Vance.