Jackson Photographer sees country rebuilt through camera lens Soldier documents Afghanistan

By Courtney Culey Jackson Citizen Patriot JACKSON, Mich. (AP) -- Photographers help capture memorable moments and monumental times. U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Wesley Farnsworth does just that with his camera. Farnsworth, originally from Jackson, is a photographer in the Air Force and is stationed in Afghanistan. "Joining the Air Force was the best decision I've made," he said. Farnsworth is a member of the Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktya in Afghanistan. He is part of the public affairs office, he said. Often, he covers events demonstrating the U.S. military's role in helping to rebuild the nation. "I'm seeing the country be built up right before my eyes," Farnsworth said. He takes pictures of award ceremonies and documents missions for historical purposes. Other days, he could be asked to write a story or design a graphic, he said. "His photos are absolutely breathtaking," said 1st Lt. Cammie Quinn, a public affairs officer and his supervisor. "They are incredible." "He's one of the best photographers I've gotten to work with," she said. Farnsworth joined the Air Force on Sept. 11, 2007, and has been in Afghanistan since July. The deployment has been a blessing, said his wife, Heather. "It's what he's meant to do," she said. Prior joining to the Air Force, Farnsworth was assistant general manager at the Fairfield Inn in Jackson and worked at a Battle Creek Meijer store, he said. His wife and 15-month-old daughter are used to having him away from their home in Virginia, Heather Farnsworth said, but it can be difficult. Still, she said this is what she signed up for, and he should return home sometime between February and April. The Farnsworths lived in Jackson until 2007. Farnsworth, 27, grew up in the Jackson area, where he was home-schooled, he said. His parents, Phil and Donna Farnsworth, still live in Jackson and are able to stay connected with their son. "We use different means to chat briefly," Phil Farnsworth said. "Facebook and Skype come in handy." Published: Thu, Feb 16, 2012