RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The 12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs photography department saw the sun rise and set on July 1 as they documented a day in the life of Airmen, civilians and contractors around the wing.
The seven photographers are just one of many Air Education and Training Command units across the country taking still photos, shooting video and writing news or feature articles on the people who run the command's wings each day. Officials initiated the command-wide project to equip and inspire Airmen to serve as ambassadors for AETC and the Air Force.
The initiative is "a terrific opportunity to showcase the men and women across AETC who develop America's Airmen today ... for tomorrow," said Col. William Nichols, AETC Public Affairs director.
A 4:30 a.m. security forces guard-mount was first on the agenda, as shutters snapped away at those changing shift and those preparing to take on morning traffic.
When Airmen, civilians and contractors began to arrive for work, photographers were there again capturing security forces in action - checking IDs, handing out visitor passes and searching vehicles.
As the day progressed, the flying and fighter training squadrons became hosts to shutterbugs capturing everything from instructor pilots and students participating in everything from pre-flight briefings to simulator training to aircraft take offs and landings - one such flight included 19th Air Force Commander Gregory Feest.
"It was a long day, but well worth it," said Dan Solis, 12th FTW Public Affairs photography chief. "It's an honor for us to be able to tell the story of some of the hardest working people in AETC. The men and women of the 12th Flying Training Wing are what make this the 'Showplace of the Air Force.'"
Maintenance, operations, medical group and wing staff agencies also showcased their capabilities as photographers worked to capture medical, flying operation and administrative functions in their element throughout different times of the day, to name a few.
Fire and emergency services personnel even held a special live fire training scenario that included hose position maneuvers, smoke and life-saving techniques.
As the sun began to set, and work in the wing wound down for the evening, photographers were able to capture some of the Airmen and civilians letting their hair down as they dug their cleats in for some intramural softball action.
"We're really excited to showcase all the great things we do in the wing," said Mike Briggs, 12th FTW Public Affairs chief. "Everyone works hard to ensure the mission is accomplished, our people are taken care of, and our quality of life is second-to-none."
From work to play, the thousands of images taken will tell a story - beginning to end - of what happens around Randolph on any given day.
The visual products from all the command's units won't be unveiled until Jan. 14, 2010, during the AETC Symposium, but hundreds of people will be at work behind the scenes - editing photos, video, articles and preparing a Web-based interface that will allow users to select and view products based on time of day, type of mission (recruiting, training or education) and location.