Hometown News Release provides recognition

Published Feb. 10, 2012
Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs

WASHINGTON -- Air Force District of Washington servicemembers and civilian employees have an easy way of being recognized back home for their hard work and accomplishments - by submitting an online Hometown News Release.

"The men and women of AFDW are outstanding and deserve to be recognized for their hard work in every way possible," said Maj. Gen. Darren McDew, AFDW commander. "The support of family members and our local community is critical to the success of our forces; the Hometown News Release helps keep our Airmen connected to those supporters."

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

"The accomplishments of our civilians, enlisted and officers here in the National Capital Region are varied and great," said Chief Master Sgt. Scott Fuller, AFDW command chief master sergeant. "This gets their story back to their hometown media, or wherever the individual's family resides. Those family members enjoy reading about their loved one's accomplishments in the local media and bragging about their hometown hero."

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, which suits our unique AFDW personnel that might be geographically separated from us, their host public affairs office, here in D.C." said Lt. Col. Ken Hoffman, AFDW Public Affairs director. "And, we're just a phone call or e-mail away if they have questions."

Just click on the Hometown News Release icon on the AFDW homepage, www.afdw.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.

For more information, call 240-612-6464 or e-mail afdw.pa@afncr.af.mil.