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Grissom selected for top AFRC Public Affairs awards

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GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  The Grissom ARB Public Affairs program, along with the base's September 2011 rededication ceremony, took top honors in the Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs Awards for Communication Excellence.

The 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs office was selected for the Brig. Gen. Harry J. Dalton Jr. Award as the top host base PA program in the command. The PA office's efforts in developing, coordinating and hosting a special  base rededication ceremony was awarded the Maj. Henry H. "Hap" Arnold Award for Public Affairs Communication Effectiveness.

"We are very humbled that our various public affairs programs and activities were recognized at the Air Force Reserve Command level," said Lt. Col. Gary Lockard, 434th ARW chief of public affairs. "Last year was a very hectic time period for the PA staff.  In addition to our normal programs, PA staff members developed special activities to focus on social media, civic leader education, congressional liaison, and media outreach."

Other members of the PA team in 2011 included Col. William "Tim" Cahoon, Maj. Kelly Howard, Tech. Sgts. Doug Hays and Mark Orders-Woepmner, Staff Sgt. Carl Berry, and Senior Airmen Jami Lancette, Damon Kasberg and Andrew McLaughlin.

Highlights of the Grissom PA program included interaction with more than 50 major media outlets, 200 news releases, 1,072 social and traditional media activities, eight civic leader flights, 400 civic leader contacts, creation of a new honorary commanders program and a concert by the Air Force Band of Flight.  The base web site, managed by the PA staff, was updated every single day of the year and visitors to the site viewed more than 2 million pages of content.

The 434th ARW PA office will now represent AFRC at the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Awards competition.

Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.

Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer