Hometown News Release program goes online

  • Published
  • By Connie Hempel
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Servicemembers and civilian employees here can now get recognized back home for their accomplishments by submitting an online Hometown News Release.

"Team Goodfellow members do so many great things," said Kent Cummins, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs. "Family members enjoy reading about their loved one's accomplishments in the local media ... they are hometown heroes and the Hometown News Release helps get their story out there."

With online submission capability, the Hometown News Release process is easier, and helps Goodfellow members get recognized for their career achievements and worldwide activities through print and electronic news.

"Their accomplishments aren't limited to just their hometown media, it can be sent anywhere a family member resides," he said.

There are numerous occasions that merit a Hometown News Release. Some of the categories Hometown News Releases are submitted for include:

Military:

  • Graduation from basic training, Officer Training School or technical schools
  • Promotion to E-3 and higher (as the promotion occurs)
  • Selected for promotion to E-9 and O-6 and above
  • Permanent change of station
  • Awards and decorations
  • Re-enlistments
  • Retirements
  • Olympic or Pan-American game selection
  • Receipt of college degree
  • Suggestion awards of $50 or more
  • Participation in a national news event
Civilians:

  • Numerous awards at all levels
  • Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service
  • Suggestion award of $500 or more
  • Graduation from military school
The Joint Hometown News Service Defense Media Activity has invested in a new electronic forms software program to help the process of news releases run more effectively than the original process.

With the implementation of the online form, individuals no longer have to fill out a hard copy and bring it to Public Affairs.

"The process is easier and more customer friendly," Cummins said. "And, we're just a phone call away if they have questions."

Just click on the Hometown News Release icon on the Goodfellow homepage, www.Goodfellow.af.mil, fill out the form and hit submit. Photos can also be submitted.

After the form has been submitted, the Air Force News Agency will prepare and distribute news releases to media outlets located in the towns entered on the form.