RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
After months of planning, the 12th Communications Squadron Multimedia center completed its merger under the 12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs flight Monday.
Both multimedia and public affairs will continue to provide the same services. The only change customers should notice is the public affairs news and internal information section's move from Building 100 to Hangar 6 with the rest of the multimedia section. This includes the Wingspread staff.
"This merger is just a small part of an Air Force-wide initiative to combine two great career fields who already work closely with one another," said Capt. Sharon Branick, 12th FTW Public Affairs chief. "Both multimedia and public affairs will continue to provide the same quality services to meet our customers' needs."
The multimedia section, which includes a staff of 22, provides both photographic and graphic services to the base. The team includes eight photographers, six graphic illustrators, a four-person multimedia satellite office at the 563rd Flying Training Squadron, two customer service representatives, a technical support representative and base multimedia manager.
"We provide world-class multimedia and visual information products and services to the 12th FTW and all of its associated tenant units including Headquarters Air Education and Training Command and the Air Force Personnel Center," said Michelle DeLeon, base multimedia manager. "This merger will not change that. If anything, this gives both PA and multimedia an opportunity to see what two great organizations can do as one."
The multimedia photo imagining section is a 100 percent digital photography operation using the latest professional level cameras, computers and related equipment designed to meet and exceed professional imaging standards, said Ms. DeLeon.
The section takes hundreds of photos weekly covering base events such as retirements, promotions and change of command ceremonies in addition to taking unit, architectural, historical and incident investigation photos. Units should make requests for coverage at least 72 hours prior to the event and use an AF Form 833.
The photographers also alternate working in the portrait studio taking official portraits. The portrait studio is open for walk-ins Tuesday and Thursday from 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. and for appointments Monday and Wednesday from 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. Government passport photos are also taken Monday through Thursday from 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
The graphic illustration section creates and designs black and white and color brochures, book covers, tri-fold handouts, flyers, newsletters, posters and 3-D display story boards, said Ms. DeLeon. This includes high quality digital imaging of illustrations, logos and imagery.
The section also offers consultations to help customers plan their projects and can design and create logos and emblems, medals and coins.
The multimedia section also includes a self-help area with a stand alone graphic station and photo kiosk where customers can create retirement programs, business cards and retirement certificates.
"The self help area was very convenient and easy to use," said Sharon Janice of the 12th FTW Safety office, who recently used the section.
Ms. DeLeon added that the multimedia section also has equipment organizations can check out including video cameras, digital cameras, projectors and projection screens.
The multimedia manager noted that the 12th Contracting Squadron has been running into problems with organizations not having approval letters from multimedia to purchase multimedia equipment, services and software, such as TVs, VCRs, DVD players and recorders, projectors and screens, digital and video cameras.
According to 12th CONS GPC officials, without an approval letter, organizations will face a write-up, ratification and confiscation of equipment.
Those organizations interested in purchasing multimedia equipment valued under $3,000 should e-mail michelle.deleon@randolph.af.mil with the make, model and cost of the items they would like to purchase as well as justification as to why they need the equipment. Customers should receive a response within 48 hours, said Ms. DeLeon. If approved, the customer should print the e-mail and attach it to their GPC invoice.
For more information regarding multimedia, call 652-4226. For more information regarding public affairs, call 652-4410.
"We are very excited about this merger with public affairs," said Ms. DeLeon. "While transition isn't always easy, it can only make us stronger as we continue to provide the best quality service possible."