Air Force ReserveAir Force Reserve PUBLICPUBLIC

AFFAIRSAFFAIRSCaptain Ann KnabeCaptain Ann Knabe

Chief of Public AffairsChief of Public Affairs

440th Airlift Wing440th Airlift Wing

General Mitchell Air Reserve StationGeneral Mitchell Air Reserve Station

Milwaukee, WisconsinMilwaukee, Wisconsin

What is Public Affairs?What is Public Affairs?

• Public Affairs: The Public Affairs: The wing commander’swing commander’s program program

• Communicates the commander’s key Communicates the commander’s key messages to various audiences messages to various audiences

• 4 broad areas:4 broad areas: internal communications, internal communications, community relations, congressional community relations, congressional relations and media relationsrelations and media relations

• Keeping our internal customers informed• The Flying Badger (unit newsletter)• “Commander’s Call” topics• Update/Create Unit Fact Sheets &

Commander biographies

• Manage Web Page Content

Internal CommunicationsInternal Communications

Community RelationsCommunity Relations

A true partner in the communityA true partner in the community

Community RelationsCommunity Relations

• 440th Airlift Wing Community Council• Wing Speakers Bureau• Base Tours• Orientation Flights• Civic Leader Tours• School visits• Noise and Environment issues addressed

Special EventsSpecial Events

Special Days:

• Clergy Day

• Employer Day

• Memorial Day

• Elected Officials Day

• Civic Leader Tour

Armed Forces Week eventsArmed Forces Week events

• Military Display• Civic Dinner Dance• Wisconsin Club Armed

Forces Dinner• Awards Luncheons• Governor signing

statement of support• Military Day at Miller Park• Flyover, etc.

Congressional RelationsCongressional Relations• Educate our

elected officials about the Reserve

• Legislative Update

• “Influence” decision-makers on Capitol Hill

News Media RelationsNews Media Relations

DirectDirect

HonestHonest

InformativeInformative

• Publicize the Wing & AFRC missions

• Answer media queries• Work Presidential visits• Escort into operational

areas Media Orientation flights

• Manage Crisis Communications

News Media RelationsNews Media Relations

Internal Communication

+ Community Relations

+ Media Relations

+ Congressional Relations

Informed, supportive audiences!

4 Areas of Communication4 Areas of Communication