Rescuegram 2.0: Newsletter transforms into "Rescue E-Gram"

  • Published
  • By Capt. Alyson Teeter
  • 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, Calif. --  In a move to streamline news production and save money, the wing's primary communication tool, the Rescuegram, will transition from a print publication to an e-mail newsletter starting January 2010. 

December's Rescuegram edition is the last print issue.

Traditional news media, such as print newspapers, have been hit hard by Internet technologies. Americans born after 1987 use the Internet as their primary source of information, and many Americans are obtaining news and information where they want it, when they want it, for free.

This way of consuming news and information has had an effect on the military too.

The new Air Force public affairs regulation will prohibit wings from funding base newspapers. The Air Force has also slashed public affairs manning since 2006. Shifting the focus away from layout and design of a print publication to news gathering for the Web allows public affairs professionals to work more efficiently and keep internal and external audiences better informed. It's the "green" thing to do too.

The e-mail newsletter, a.k.a. Rescue E-Gram, will be sent to .mil and commercial email addresses. The text-based e-mail will include links to stories and photos on the wing Web site at www.129rqw.ang.af.mil.

If you haven't been there already, the wing has a public Web site that is constantly updated with photos, news and drill information. Anyone can visit www.129rqw.ang.af.mil here at the unit or home. The site features the same type of articles and photos that have been featured in the Rescuegram in years past.

Families should also go to www.129rqw.ang.af.mil for information - Family Programs maintains a page under the "Resources" tab. The Family Readiness Post It flyer will be posted on the page as well.

Most wing members will be automatically subscribed to the Rescue E-Gram, but not families. Family members are highly encouraged to subscribe to the newsletter by sending an email to 129RQW.PA@ang.af.mil. The Family Readiness volunteers will also reach out to families to ensure they subscribe to the Rescue E-Gram.

If you have questions or feedback regarding the Rescue E-Gram, contact the 129th Rescue Wing public affairs office at 129RQW.PA@ang.af.mil or 603-9152.