GFAFB launches Facebook, Twitter sites

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Martinez
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  In response to the growing use of social networking sites, Col. Don Shaffer, 319th Air Refueling Wing commander, and Airmen volunteers, launched the base's first social networking sites on Facebook and Twitter, April 19.

These sites will serve as an open forum to better communicate with Airmen and will be utilized as a feedback tool for the Wing Commander.

The Facebook page is named "Warriors of the North-Grand Forks Air Force Base," and the Twitter site is named "319ARW." Both sites can be found by entering the name in the search bar on each website.

"Airmen will be able to respond to posts and discussions, however, posting of videos and web links will not be allowed," said Tech. Sgt. Andrew Hafey, 319th Air Refueling Wing Command Post and co-creator of the social media sites.

"I think it is great that we, as an Air Force wing, are able to move with technology to further aid our servicemembers and their families," said Airman 1st Class Jacob Thomas, 319th Communications Squadron and co-creator of the social media sites.

The sites will host topics that are critical to Colonel Shaffer, as well as upcoming events on the base. Also, Airmen are able to post photos.

On March 30, the Air Force opened its network to Internet-based social networking sites at five Pacific Air Force bases and will begin opening the sites Air Force-wide later this month.

Sergeant Hafey said that it is every supervisor's responsibility to ensure their people are practicing proper time management when using the sites during the duty day.

"I think the most important thing Airmen should know is that these sites are resources and they should not shy away from the sites," said Airman Thomas.

Please Post Responsibly - Some rules to remember:

-These pages are public and can be viewed by anyone so don't post about planned or ongoing missions or deployments that may be coming up. Remember Operations Security and Information Security.

-Do not post information that would infringe upon the privacy or personal rights of others.

-When posting photos of military personnel in uniform, ensure all safety and uniform dress and appearance policies and guidelines are adhered to.

-Avoid posting photos of military personnel in social situations that highlight or promote the use of alcoholic beverages or situations that may bring discredit to Air Mobility Command or the Air Force.

- Airmen are individually accountable for what they post.

- Airmen should be respectful in their post; the wing commander will read them.

Mark Diamond contributed to this article