Veterans in Blue - Senior Airman Michael Moriatis

Michael Moriatis served in the Air Force from 1989-1995 and then finished his career with the U.S. Navy Reserve until 2009. He came in the Air Force as an Imagery Production Specialist working with reconnaissance long-roll imagery on C-130s and U-2s. He transitioned into the Navy as a Photographers Mate and was able to transfer his skills from the Air Force into the Navy. The Navy increased his training and photography skills which awarded him the 2006 Navy Reserve Photographer of the Year. He primarily works now as a unit stills or set photographer in the film industry. He takes production stills and behind the scenes work when they are filming feature films and “straight to DVD” type movies. “My experience as a photographer in the Air Force and the Navy greatly shaped who I am today as a photographer and for that I am forever grateful,” he said. “Joining the military isn’t for everybody, but the people who are committed to it and give the time, they can learn life skills that will help them if they decide to stay in the service or get out after 4 years.”