JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
It’s 7 a.m. and you’re waiting in the rain. You’ve checked each media credential against the secret service listing, caravanned them to the passenger terminal, and have them on the flightline on time, ready to go. Waiting for the president’s motorcade.
It’s secret service, security forces, flightline protocol, maintenance and you, the public affairs representative. That was your role and first responsibility of the day.
All U.S. Air Force public affairs offices have four core competencies; to provide trusted counsel to leaders, strengthen Airman morale and readiness, enhance public trust and support, and achieve global influence and deterrence.
“We are the frontline communicators for Joint Base Andrews and ambassadors of the Air Force,” said Capt. Connie Dillon, 11th Wing Public Affairs chief. “Telling JBA’s story to the American public not only contributes to mission accomplishment, but it also aids in public understanding about our operations and support to the community.”
Here, at JBA, Md., the 11 WG PA office accomplishes those core competencies with approximately 20 Airmen and civilians broken down into sections that include command information, community engagement, mission partner support and media operations.
Ensuring the media makes their way onto Air Force One is just one example of media operations at work.
“Working with our civilian media counterparts provides us a great opportunity to share the JBA story to a much larger audience we wouldn't normally have available,” said Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer, PA Media Operations NCO in-charge. “Whether it's responding to queries, escorting or arranging interviews, our relationship with the media is extremely vital when it comes to communicating with the public.”
While PA works to provide accurate and timely information to a broad audience with the help of civilian media, it does just as much within the military community by working with mission partners.
It’s now noon, you’re in the halls of the Smithsonian, where the surprise sound of trumpets fill the air as the Air Force Band flash mob performance starts. You’re there assisting with video, as a mission partner.
"Public Affairs is a vital partner in maximizing the global outreach capabilities of The U.S. Air Force Band and Honor Guard,” said Edward Teleky, 11th Operations Group operation cell director. “They provide us with world-class photo, video, media and community relations support that broadcasts and documents the mission and impact of these premier unit's within the National Capital Region and around the globe."
Mission partner support doesn’t just stop with the U.S. Air Force Band or Honor Guard. There is a wide range of partner units that we support, such as the 89th Airlift Wing, 844th Communications Group, 79th Medical Wing, etc.
“The mission partner support section serves as a liaison and maintains working relationships between all mission partners,” said Staff Sgt. Isaac Garden, PA Mission Partner Support NCO in-charge. “Through photo, video, media and community engagement, our support can be channeled and maximized to highlight unique missions.”
Through any media available, supporting mission partners directly supports the commander.
“Working together with JBA mission partners allows public affairs to highlight and promote a ‘one team, one fight’ mentality,” Dillon said. “As a joint base, this is one of the installation commander’s top priorities.”
Now, it’s 2 p.m. and you’re back in the office, it’s time to write your story, edit your photos, answer phones, and provide customer support. This is a command information responsibility.
“Our job allows a free flow of information to Airmen and their families,” said Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys, PA Command Information NCO in-charge. “Through articles, photos and videos, not only do we create awareness of, and support for, the mission, but we increase our effectiveness as Air Force ambassadors and reduce the spread of rumors or misinformation by being a transparent and credible information source."
While command information directly communicates information to the base populous, there is one section dedicated to supporting the local community. Run by a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, the Community Engagements section builds that relationship with those locally.
It’s 3:30 p.m. and you’re giving a tour of the base to young junior Air Force ROTC cadets from the local high school and prepped to attend a town hall with civic leaders and honorary commanders in the evening.
“We provide firsthand opportunities for local public audiences to learn about the quality and capability of our Airmen, weapons systems, and the important missions we carry out,” said Aletha Frost, PA community engagement chief. “Community engagement programs are important because they increase public awareness and understanding of the armed forces mission, policies and programs of the Air Force.”
The four sections inside the public affairs office work together with the base commander to ensure accurate, brief, and clear communication is on display daily.
“The impact and involvement of the public affairs office is incredible,” said Col. E. John Teichert, 11th Wing and Joint Base Andrews commander. “They skillfully tell the incredible Joint Base Andrews story, masterfully tie us together through communication, and passionately build strong relationships with the community and our partners."