henry villarama - FBI Academy, 2025
Henry Villarama is a contract photographer in the Training Division at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Academy in Quantico, Virginia. In this role, he provides professional photography and multimedia support by capturing executive portraits, classroom instruction, tactical demonstrations, ceremonial events, and high-profile occasions that advance the Academy’s mission in training, public affairs, and historical preservation.
He operates the Academy’s photography studio, maintains equipment readiness, and manages print media projects with precision and quality. Henry collaborates closely with Public Affairs and senior executives to create impactful visual products that enhance communication and public engagement.
Henry adheres to strict security and privacy protocols while producing high-quality, quick-turnaround content. He contributes to the creation of a content management system that preserves the Academy’s mission-critical and historical products.
Before joining the FBI Academy, Henry served as a Department of the Army Civilian Visual Information Specialist and Photographer at the Pentagon.
As part of the Army Multimedia and Visual Information Division, Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, he provided high-quality visual products and services to senior leaders, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of the Army, and other federal agencies within the National Capital Region.
His work included executive photography, managing studio operations, covering national-level events, and advising on strategic visual information.
A highlight in Henry's civilian career is being selected to serve as a photographer to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Henry transitioned into his Pentagon civilian role after serving more than a decade on active duty in the U.S. Army. Enlisting in 2012 as a signal soldier and volunteering as a paratrooper, he completed multiple combat deployments and developed tactical communications expertise within the special operations community.
Henry's military assignments included Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, and Vicenza, Italy, with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, where he served as both a signal systems technician and a public affairs representative, documenting the lives and missions of more than 3,500 paratroopers across Europe.
After graduating from the Defense Information School at Fort George G. Meade, he joined the Army’s combat camera unit, where he merged soldiering with storytelling, capturing powerful imagery of Army and Joint missions worldwide.
Throughout his career, both in the military and as a civilian, Henry has frequently worked alongside the nation’s most senior leaders, including the President of the United States, military commanders, and international dignitaries. His imagery has advanced strategic communications, supported diplomacy, strengthened public engagement, and preserved the historical record of U.S. defense operations.
Henry’s dedication and skill have been recognized with multiple awards, including:
CIVILIAN AWARDS
-2025-
- Army Civilian Service Commendation Medal
- Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal - For service as the DoD Photographer to the Carter Family during the State Funeral of the 39th President of the United States, James Earl “Jimmy” Carter, Jr.
- Certificate of Appreciation - Joint Task Force - National Capital Region Joint Information Center, State Funeral 39
- First Place, Egnor Cup Photography Competition - D.C. ShootOff Photojournalism Workshop
-2024-
- Department of Defense Civilian Photographer of the Year - DoD Media Awards
- Department of the Army Civilian Photographer of the Year - U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware Communication Awards
- Employee of the Quarter - Second Quarter, 2024
-2023-
- Department of Defense Civilian Photographer of the Year - DoD Media Awards
- Department of Defense Civilian Photographer of the Year - Defense Media Merit Awards (Joint Units)
- Department of the Army Civilian Photographer of the Year - U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware Communication Awards
- Joint Civilian Service Achievement Medal - For photography support to the Office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
- Second Place, Civilian Photographer of the Year - Joint Task Force - National Capital Region and the Military District of Washington, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware Communication Awards
MILITARY HONORS
Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (5th Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2nd Award), Global War on Terror Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Service Medal (2nd Award), Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge