Media award: Photographer captures DoD award Published June 26, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Daryl Knee 90th Space Wing Public Affairs F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- The Crow Creek Challenge starts around 6 a.m. the end of June every year. This event challenges the many four-man teams that enter. The CCC incorporates various activities that include the log carry, four-man push-ups and many other physical strength and agility tests. The Airmen that participate in the challenge are pushed to the very limits of their endurance and fortitude. Totally consumed with the day's activities, the Airmen don't notice the woman walking around with her camera. Bernie Ernst, 90th Communications Squadron civilian-contracted photographer, notices a group doing the four-man push-ups and takes a quick snapshot. The picture that Mrs. Ernst took June 29, 2006 turned out to be more than just the average picture, however. That photo won the Contractor/Stringer Photographer media award, starting at the Air Force Space Command level, then the Air Force level and finally winning the Department of Defense level media award. "You just get lucky once in a while," said Mrs. Ernst about the raw emotion captured on film. "I think I took over 300 photos," she added. Not normally on the frontline of the action, Mrs. Ernst was delighted to be a part of the CCC. "I just sat in wonder at what these people could do," Mrs. Ernst said. Mrs. Ernst has been working here approximately four years and has had much recognition. "She's not just a skilled photographer," said Maj. Scott Angerman, 90th CS commander. "She is also a great person and an important part of the 90th CS and Warren." "We're very proud of her," Major Angerman added. Mrs. Ernst is humble about her awards, however. She hardly gloats, brags or boasts about her accomplishments. "I kind of forget about [the awards] until someone brings it up," Mrs. Ernst said. But with the 90th CS civilian-contracted photographers ready to go, and another Crow Creek Challenge starting Wednesday, the opportunity for an award-winning, quick snapshot opens up again. "We do the best we can," Mrs. Ernst said.