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Grissom PA specialist best in AFRC

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GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  Mark R.W. Orders-Woempner, 434th Air Refueling Wing public affairs specialist, was named as the "Outstanding Communication Tactical-Level Civilian" for 2011 during the Air Force Reserve Command's Public Affairs Awards for Communication Excellence competition.

Orders-Woempner joined the 434th ARW PA office as a civilian employee in March 2011, where he spearheaded the wing' s social media program. In just a few short months, he developed the number one social media program in the command with more than 700 followers, 900 updates and a special 60-minute "live chat" to support AFRC recruiting efforts.  His efforts to market the base through social media reached more than 1 million people to include media, civic leaders and elected officials.

"Mark has been an outstanding addition to the PA office," stated Lt. Col. Gary Lockard, chief of public affairs.  "His work in the areas of social media, civic leader outreach and special events has been superb." 

An expert in public affairs, he was selected to serve on a special Air Force-level work group that devised new Internet and social media policies.  He participated in a trip to Washington  DC where he met with various congressional staff members and assisted in presenting an overview of  Grissom and its contributions to our nation's defense.  Orders-Woempner's other responsibilities in the PA office include civic leader outreach, honorary commanders program, employer support and special events.

"His efforts in blending social and traditional media have provided superb benefits for the base and the Air Force Reserve Command," added Lockard.  "He is an outstanding writer and photographer and dozens of his stories, photos and graphic art have been used by DoD and civilian media organizations."

In addition to his civilian responsibilities, Orders-Woempner is a technical sergeant in the Air Force Reserve, also serving in the PA office, and  is a volunteer member of the base honor guard.

Awards are not new to Orders-Woempner, as in his military career he was selected as the 434th Air Refueling Wing  Airman of the Year in 2006.

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