Public Affairs leads the way in communication

  • Published
  • By Connie Hempel
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
Behind the scenes but always there, Public Affairs is charged with communicating the wing commander's message, command information and Air Force priorities to the public and its servicemembers. This wing staff agency accomplishes its mission of expanding the public's knowledge about Goodfellow and the Air Force through accurate, timely communications and community involvement.

Public Affairs puts information out through various internal and external mediums such as the base newspaper, commanders' calls, local media outlets, Goodfellow Web site and even Facebook. The staff also uses opportunities such as coordinating Goodfellow's participation at community events, conducting base tours and hosting a base open house to gain public support.

The relationship Goodfellow has with the community is one 17th Training Wing Commander Col. Thomas Geary, said he considers an endearing and enduring partnership.

"We are very fortunate to live and work in a community with such a strong bond to the military," Colonel Geary said. "The continuous support from San Angelo's leaders and residents throughout the year is a testament to our community relations. This is a true partnership."

As front-line ambassadors here for the Air Force, it's important to get Team Goodfellow in the community to show them what we do and that we are good stewards, said Kent Cummins, Public Affairs chief.

"Whether we're participating in events downtown such as parades, or bringing a group on base for a tour to demonstrate our capabilities, it all helps to build public trust and support for Goodfellow and the Air Force," he said.

A healthy relationship with the media is another avenue Public Affairs uses to build public trust and support.

"Keeping them informed of what's happening around the Air Force, on base and with our members gains the public's confidence," Mr. Cummins said. "By getting our stories out there, we prevent speculation and help people draw the right conclusions. A good relationship with the media also helps with Airman morale and readiness."

Through media outlets - print, television or radio - Public Affairs keeps Airmen and the public informed about policies, and provides rumor control and recognition for accomplishments.

"We can restore the national trust and confidence in our Air Force by rebuilding our external credibility," Col. Les Kodlick, director of Air Force Public Affairs said during an Air Force wing commander's seminar last year.

One essential step in maintaining credibility is ensuring information is accurate and timely. When a significant event happens on base or to a member assigned to Goodfellow, Public Affairs is responsible for releasing pertinent information to the media quickly. With the ease of access to social media, those who witness a significant event may be inclined to record and post what they witness, but doing so conflicts with Public Affair's rumor control efforts and could jeopardize people's safety, security or even impede investigations.

Airmen must use their best judgment when posting on social media sites and remember that there are always consequences to what is written. They are on call 24-hours a day, 365-days a year, so their actions on- and off-duty are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Airmen should keep this in mind when they are approached by media, too.

All media interviews should be coordinated through the Public Affairs office.

"We're here to help make the interview run smoothly and make sure the correct information is being put out there," Mr. Cummins said. "By allowing us to coordinate media interviews, we can ensure the right subject matter expert is on hand. This helps prevent speculation and putting people in an awkward or uncomfortable situation."

Whether it's sending out the Air Force message or letting others know about a job well done, the communication and public relation efforts by Public Affairs helps gain public support and keeps its servicemembers informed.