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Austin Stern

About Me

I’m Austin Stern, a media and journalism student at Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg with experience in public affairs, photojournalism, strategic communication, and multimedia storytelling.

As a Public Affairs Specialist with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, I’ve had the opportunity to document military operations, write feature stories, produce photo and video content, and help communicate the stories of Airmen and their missions. That experience has strengthened my ability to work in fast-paced environments while creating accurate, engaging, and meaningful content.

Outside of military public affairs, I continue to build my experience through photography, journalism, video production, and creative storytelling. I’m especially interested in photojournalism, sports media, journalism, and public relations.

I will graduate with a B.A. in Media and Journalism in May 2027 and hope to build a career centered around telling stories that inform, connect, and leave an impact.

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Published Work

U.S. National Guard •

Pennsylvania Guardsmen Strengthen Engineering Skills, Preserve Redwoods

ORICK, Calif. – Pennsylvania Air National Guardsmen partnered with the National Park Service through the Department of War’s Innovative Readiness Training program this summer to complete construction projects throughout Redwood National and State Parks while strengthening expeditionary engineering skills in a real-world environment.

Airmen assigned to the 201st Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer, or RED HORSE, 193rd Special Operations Wing and 111th Attack Wi...
Pennsylvania National Guard •

Beyond the thunder: 193rd SOW supports air show operations

The thunder of jet engines and the precision of flight filled the skies over Harrisburg International Airport and the 193rd Special Operations Wing Memorial Day weekend as the Central Pennsylvania Air Show, headlined by the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, drew thousands of spectators from across the region.

The 193rd SOW supported air show operations, inspired future Airmen and strengthened community ties throughout the event.

Airmen and recruiters from the 193rd...
193rd Special Operations Wing •

High-octane refueler: 193rd SOW Airman tries out for specialized FARP team

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Racing against the clock, a fuels specialist with the 193rd Special Operations Wing hauls a 100-foot fuel hose across the flightline, striving to earn a position on a Forward Arming and Refueling Point team, a physically and technically demanding role essential to special operations missions at the wing and worldwide.

Over the past few years, the 193rd SOW has transitioned to the MC-130J Commando II aircraft platform and mission. The Commando II mission is a core, flagship m...
Air National Guard •

Lethality, precision on display at Bollen Range

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - In a mountain valley of central Pennsylvania, two A-10 Thunderbolt II take to the skies. “Cleared hot!” transmits over the radio. Then comes the unmistakable sound of freedom – brrrt – echoing across the landscape. The operations director for Bollen Range Air-to-Ground Bomb Range, Detachment 1 – part of the 193rd Special Operations Wing – communicates with the pilots as they undergo training exercises and showcase their power.

“Fort Indiantown Gap is an excellent plac...

Photojournalism

DVIDS •

193rd SOW conducts 9/11 formation flight

The 193rd Special Operations Wing conducts a six-aircraft training flight to honor the memory of the nearly 3,000 innocent victims who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the first responders who risked their own lives to save others. This formation flight of MC-130J Commando II aircraft showcased the resiliency of the American Spirit by flying a mass formation, low-altitude training flight visible throughout the greater Central Pennsylvania area. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Aus...
DVIDS •

148th Air Support Operations Squadron TACP Airmen Conduct Field Training Exercise

Tactical Control Party Airmen from the 148th Air Support Operations Squadron complete a field training exercise during a drill weekend at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, Pennsylvania, on May 17, 2025. The exercise emphasized real-world mission readiness through simulated close air support coordination/communications, land navigation and convoy movement operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Austin Stern)...
DVIDS •

193rd SOW Airmen sharpen weapons proficiency during CATM training

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 193rd Special Operations Wing participate in the M4 Air Force Qualification Course, instructed by Combat Arms Training and Maintenance instructors from the wing’s Security Forces Squadron, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, Pennsylvania, June 6, 2026. CATM instructors provide classroom instruction and oversee range operations to ensure Airmen remain proficient with their assigned firearms, maintaining the wing's combat readiness and mission effectiveness. (U....