Karen Stevens Sampson

Writes news, features, and photo/video stories to tell JRTC and Fort Polk’s mission for internal and external audiences. Contributes multimedia packages to web and social platforms. Works across public affairs areas—command information, public information, media relations, and community relations. My Army Post App SME, administrator, and lead instructor for training personnel across installations, maintaining My Army Post. Curates and maintains the Soldier Services area at Alexandria International.

• Supervisors: Laurel Stone and Kieth Houin laurel.a.stone.civ@army.mil and kieth.r.houin.civ@army.mil
• Full-time, permanent, GS 11 step grade 03
• Salary: $73,713.00 annually

I served a one-year deployment with the U.S. Army Reserve, 343rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Arkansas, supporting USAREUR-AF Operation Assure Deter and Reinforce assigned to U.S. Army V Corps area of operations in Eastern Europe. Duties included photojournalism and writing, editing written, photography and video content from 17 enlisted personnel. Provided media support to NATO multinational exercises and monitored local, national and international events for potential story ideas.

• U.S. Army Garrison-Poland Camp Kosciuszko
• Supervisor: Lt. Col. Dale Barnes dale.d.barnes2.civ@army.mil
• Pay grade: STAFF SGT/E-6
• Salary: $35,000.00 annually

Serves as a public affairs specialist in the USAG Public Affairs Office providing photography, research , writing, and disseminating sensitive, critical or complex information and disseminates media products including news releases, feature articles, photography packages and producing appropriate communication products for both internal and external audiences.

• Supervisor: Angela Camara angela.l.camara.civ@army.mil
• Pay Grade: GS-011-03
• Salary: $73,600.00 annually

Photographer, U.S. Army Installation Management Command, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security, Plans, Operations & Security Division, Multimedia and Visual Information Branch, Imagery Section, U.S. Army Garrison Fort McCoy, Wisconsin

I apply DoD regulations and expert photography skills to Army photos. I signed for, maintained, and operated $69.3K of specialized camera gear. I planned and executed on-location stills and video, including night-vision work, in varied field environments. I produced visual training materials and managed archival image libraries for future use.

• Supervisor: Greg Mason and Lynn Batten gregory.j.mason.civ@mail.mil and lynn.a.batten.civ@mail.mil
• Pay grade: GS-07-03
• Salary: $44,857.00 annually

Public affairs expert for the Joint Multinational Readiness Center’s Special Operations Forces Cell Group and training teams. As a journalist, photographer, and photojournalist with Special Operations Command Europe, I cover training events at the International Special Training Centre (Pfullendorf) and SOF Cell (Hohenfels), communicating SOCEUR’s training effectiveness to NATO and partners. I manage over $80K in issued property and sensitive gear, handle media inquiries, liaison with mainstream media, escort distinguished visitors, and brief news media on the organization’s programs and activities.

• Hohenfels, Germany
• Supervisor: Luis Jurado luis.e.jurado.ctr@mail.mil
• Pay Grade: SGT/E5
• Salary: $29,000.00 annually

Joint Multinational Readiness Center NCO, Public Affairs Operations lead and public affairs SME advising JMRC leadership and teams. I handle external media inquiries, liaison with mainstream media, and escort distinguished visitors during joint multinational exercises. As primary print journalist and photojournalist, I gather command information, conduct interviews, and produce news releases and features. I create web-based multimedia and print packages for training in the Hohenfels Training Area, market through DVIDS and social platforms, and ensure all external content complies with DoD, OPSEC, and public affairs policies. I also serve as public affairs instructor liaison to U.S. Army National Guard and Reserve teams for annual training or deployments.

• Supervisor: Master Sgt. Erika Monroe (Retired), emonroe986@gmail.com
• Pay Grade: SGT/E5
• Salary: $30,000.00 annually

Brigade multimedia journalist and lead instructor for deploying personnel. Documented Mobilization/Demobilization at Camp Shelby, led public affairs duties, produced and marketed multimedia packages, and developed UPAR training. Led as OCT for deploying units, reporting on combat-readiness through real-world training and current theater conditions. Created news releases, features, web content, and photos for military and mainstream media. Responsible for over $800K of Army-issued property, including vehicles, sensitive gear (BF trackers, rifle scopes, night vision), and public affairs equipment and editing tools.

• Supervisors: Col. Dale Kuehl (Retired), commander, 177th Ar Bde and Ms. Amburr Reese (603) 960-1710
• Pay Grade: SGT/E5
• Salary: $30,660.00 annually