P a ge 22 t opside V olume 79 , I s s u e 4
Aux Spotlight - Barbara Sama By Christopher Orlando , ADSO-PB
Behind the camera , you will often find an artist . This is the case with award winning photographer , AUX Barbara Sama , AUXPA1 . “ My role / desire is to bring information via photos to the outside world . The old saying . ‘ A picture is worth a thousand words ’ is so spot on ! People gravitate to a photo first when they see a magazine or newspaper . This is my intention : to get that photo in hopes of getting people interested in our organization ,” said Sama .
Sama has been with the U . S . Coast Guard Auxiliary for five years , earning her Public Affairs Specialist 3 within 8 months of joining and kept moving up before reaching her Public Affairs Specialist 1 in 2021 . In addition to Public Affairs , Sama is also involved in Boat Crew , Instructor , and Vessel Examiner .
“ Public Affairs has various parts that interact with the public . I chose the camera ’ s ability to express our organization because of its ability to capture the moment . No words can capture the ‘ joy ’ of a successful mission ( ex : MOM patrol ) or “ perseverance ” of a rescue like a photo ,” said Sama .
Sama has also won the National Photo Contest award multiple times . “ I was at the Florida NACON when I heard my name called in one of the categories . No one in my group was surprised except me with my mouth wide open and they laughed and smiled at me ,” said Sama . “ Taking photos of members in their activities . It never gets old . The Hope is that one of these photos will end up in a magazine , newspaper or online topic . It makes me very happy to see them being used and bring stories to life !”
District Commodore Joe Giannattasio , AUXPA 1 served as a mentor to Sama . “ In a few short years , Barbara Sama went from being a civilian who ‘ took snapshots ’ to an award winning Coast Guard Auxiliary photographer .”
Giannattasio continued , “ Barbara ’ s determination and her immersion in the Auxiliary ’ s Public Affairs Specialty courses and qualifications has led her to become an outstanding photographer who has been sent on numerous photography assignments throughout the country for the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard .”
Sama is incredibly thankful for the support she has received and is able to provide to Sector Delaware Bay . “ It [ Public Affairs ] takes you to many places . I have met so many Guardsmen / women / Auxiliarists from all over ! I have had the honor and privilege to help Delaware Sector Bay in many ways from photographing their functions , portraits and upcoming events in the area .”