By Maj. Belinda Petersen

Air Force Services Agency Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (6/7/10) - Air Force Services Agency officials are accepting photograph entries on MyAirForceLife.com, now through July 4, as part of the Year of the Air Force Family.

This is an opportunity for Airmen and eligible patrons of Air Force morale, welfare and recreation programs to express through photos what Air Force life means to them.

Eligible family members ages 12 to 17 years can compete in the youth category.

"We are really looking forward to seeing how our youth depict their Air Force life through photography," said Carol Sudy, a marketing specialist at the Air Force Services Agency.

Contestants may submit up to three photos. Click here for submission guidelines.

Visitors to the site can vote for their favorite photos. Entries with the highest number of votes will become finalists. The earlier a photo is submitted, the longer it can build up votes.

Even though online voting will determine the finalists, the winners will be selected by professional photographers.

One winner in each category (youth and adult) will receive a camera equipment package valued at $2,000. Furthermore, the adult winner will receive a one-hour online mentoring session with Ansen Seale, a professional photographer.

Last year, Air Force Services Agency officials launched MyAirForceLife.com to help Airmen and their families stay connected, informed and engaged in programs as part of the Year of the Air Force Family.

To date, more than 492 prizes have been awarded, including computers, video cameras, eBook readers, MP3 players, netbooks, and more, said Debbie Karnes, an Air Force Services Agency spokeswoman.

"A list of winners can be found on the site," Karnes said. "For each competition, we add new prizes. During the photograph competition, those who register on the site are eligible to win (a digital camera and music gift cards)."

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley designated July 2009 to July 2010 as the Year of the Air Force Family, a period to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of the diverse Air Force family including active duty, Reserves, Air National Guard, single Airmen, civilians, spouses, children, retirees, and community partners.

"Taking care of families is a solemn promise we make to each Airman and family member," Donley said. "Sense of community is a cultural trademark of the Air Force, and we will seek ways to nurture it as part of the larger 'Year of the Air Force Family' effort."

To find details on the competitions and to enter, Airmen and eligible patrons of Air Force MWR programs can log on to http://www.myairforcelife.com.