AFDW

2026
AFDW Video
Storytelling Immersion

May 12-15, 2026

A fast-paced, visual training workshop where military service members report, shoot and produce short-form documentaries.

Contact The Program

Overview

About The Immersion

In conjunction with the Air Force District of Washington (AFDW), 20 U.S. Air Force, Navy and Army service members collaborate in production teams to develop, shoot and edit compelling visual stories. The immersion blends reporting, cinematography and post-production while meeting daily deadlines throughout the workshop.

  • On-location video shoots and extensive technical training
  • Faculty-led newsroom-style coaching
  • Cross-disciplinary teams for reporting, filming and editing

Published Stories

Student Work

Taking the Lead

By Jamie Robinson

Syracuse University is leading students into the future. New Chancellor Mike Haynie is leading that charge, bringing along his years of service and experience.

Helpful Sisters Helping Hounds

By Ian Sullens

With dozens of dogs' adoptability on the line, two sisters, Sherry and Luanne volunteer weekly at Helping Hounds Dog Rescue in Syracuse, New York, to prepare the canines for their forever families.

More Than a Cup of Coffee

By Brandon Schneider

Maher, Omar, and Mo talk about what the Haraz Coffee House experience is truly about and the goals for those who work at and visit the cafe in Syracuse, New York.

Relish The Past

By James Finney

A more than century-old grill sizzles inside Heid's of Liverpool, where the current heir to a beloved hotdog institution makes it his mission to preserve its traditional legacy.

A Humble Success

By Ivory Stoker

A Syracuse, New York, neighborhood bar owner who never tried to be anything special built a home that patrons genuinely love through consistency, community, and of course, the food.

Canteen Connections

By Arlene Carrara

Alex Behm, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Executive Vice President of Clear Path for Veterans, discusses how every Wednesday, veterans and their families gather at the organization's Chittenango campus for a free lunch that offers more than a meal, it rebuilds connection, belonging, and community.

New Command

By Trust Tate

After serving as an Air Force Officer, new Syracuse University Chancellor Michael Haynie dedicates his life to transforming higher education by creating pathways for military service members to pursue academic success and life beyond service.

Evening of Jazz

By Patrick Njuguna

Performances from high school and middle school jazz ensemble students highlight East Syracuse Minoa Central School District's fourth annual Evening of Jazz concert at Pine Grove Middle School.

The Syracuse Gem

By Antone Williams

The Gem Diner, a longtime Syracuse staple, was purchased by Anthony LeLone and his family in 2011, preserving its deep community roots while adapting to changing cultural and economic times.

Built On Mahjong

By Teresa Figueroa Enciso

A group of women gathers each week for Mahjong, but the game is only part of the tradition. Between the tiles and table talk, they've built a lasting circle of friendship, laughter, and support. What began as a game night has become a cherished weekly connection.

What Way is Home

By Rilynn Jacobs

A devoted line cook finds a new way of accepting grief after getting out of jail and changing his life around with the help of his family at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Syracuse, New York.

Here to Help

By Stephan Bang

Powered by volunteers who are driven by compassion, Helping Hounds Dog Rescue in Syracuse, New York, rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes thousands of vulnerable dogs each year to loving families.

A Taste of Coffee and Culture

By Ethan Klindt

Haraz Coffee House, a new shop that serves Yemeni coffee, builds a community around shared culture in Syracuse, New York.

More Than a Hot Dog

By Nathan Ahn

A longtime cook at Heid's of Liverpool struggles with the repetition and pressure of everyday restaurant life before realizing the legendary hot dog stand has become part of the community identity and memories.

Steady Pace

By Zachary Heimbuch

Meet the longtime owner of Change of Pace sports bar in Syracuse, New York, who believes simplicity and consistency are the ingredients to success.

Jazz is Life

By Brandon Thomas

An East Syracuse Minoa Schools band director, who is also an alumnus, dedicates himself to students who want to learn and perfect their craft of playing jazz music.

The Path to Civilian Life

By Parker Dummer

After exiting the military, Alex Behm recognized challenges and found a way to help others through Clear Path for Veterans in upstate New York.

Setting the Tone

By Alexis Redin

Anthony "Tone" LaLone, the general manager of The Gem Diner, shares the struggles of stepping into ownership post-pandemic and how his crew strives to uphold The Gem's place as a pillar in the Syracuse, New York, community.

Little Things

By Joshua Kaentong

Playing the game of life with the game of Mahjong. A story of how a weekly get-together amplifies how big the little things truly are for a group of friends in upstate New York.

Blood, Sweat & Bar-B-Que

By Paul Hulen

The progression of a pitmaster and the relationship between staff members at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Syracuse, New York.

Cohort

Participants

Leadership

Faculty/Coaches

Connect

Ready To Tell Stories That Move People?

Reach out to discuss Immersion opportunities, logistics and how to prepare your team to effectively create content for multiple audiences and platforms, plus:

  • Portfolio and professional development
  • Training in current industry practices
  • Exposure to emerging technologies including AI
Headshot of Nancy Austin

Primary Contact

Nancy Austin

njaustin@syr.edu

Deputy Director of Military Programs

Advanced Military Visual Journalism