henry villarama - pentagon, 2025
Henry Villarama is a Visual Information Specialist and photographer for the United States Army, based at the Pentagon. He is a department of the Army civilian and a key member of the Army Multimedia Visual Information Division (AMVID), part of the Office of the Chief Public Affairs (OCPA), where he supports the Army’s official visual information and multimedia mission.
In this role, Henry provides high-quality visual products and services to senior-level clients, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of the Army, Headquarters Department of the Army, and other federal agencies within the National Capital Region. His core responsibilities include photography and managing photographic studio operations, covering high-profile and national-level events, and consulting on visual information strategies.
Villarama began his military service in 2012, enlisting in the U.S. Army as a Signaleer and volunteering to serve as a paratrooper. Over the years, he completed multiple combat deployments and developed deep communications expertise within the special operations community. His path led him from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Vicenza, Italy, with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, where he balanced dual roles as a signal systems technician and a public affairs representative, documenting the lives and missions of over 3,500 paratroopers across Europe.
Later, after graduating from the Defense Information School at Fort George G. Meade, Henry was assigned to the 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), the active-duty Army’s only combat camera unit. He fused storytelling with soldiering, capturing powerful moments nationwide from Army and Joint missions.
After transitioning from active duty in 2023, Villarama brought his visual storytelling skills to the heart of national defense as a Visual Information Specialist and Photographer at the Pentagon. His civilian role often places him alongside the nation’s most senior leaders, including the President of the United States, top military commanders, and global dignitaries. He crafts visual narratives illuminating global diplomacy, leadership, and military cooperation, whether on the ground or behind the scenes.
Villarama has served as the official Department of Defense family photographer for the State Funeral of President Jimmy Carter and as the lead DoD photographer for several high-profile ceremonies, including the Lying in Honor services for Alaskan Congressman Donald E. Young, Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Ralph Puckett, and Hershel W. “Woody” Williams. He has documented the presentation of 13 Medals of Honor at the White House and covered more than 25 counterpart visits involving international military leaders and senior U.S. defense officials. In addition, Villarama has photographed hundreds of official events throughout the Pentagon and the National Capital Region, consistently supporting strategic communication efforts at the highest levels of government.
Henry villarama's pivotal role in Army strategic communications is producing impactful visual content that significantly enhances public affairs efforts, supports information operations, and advances public diplomacy. His work is crucial in operational planning and decision-making by documenting training and real-world missions, serving immediate informational needs and long-term historical preservation for the Department of Defense.
He has received multiple awards for contributions to the Army and the Department of Defense.
CIVILIAN AWARDS - 2025
- Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal - For documentary photography support at the State Funeral of President Jimmy Carter
- First Place, Egnor Cup Photography Competition - D.C. ShootOff Photojournalism Workshop
Civilian Awards - 2024
- Department of the Army Civilian Photographer of the Year - U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware Communication Awards
- 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 Award
Civilian Awards - 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