Hometown News Release Program goes online Published Sept. 18, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Stacy Sanchez 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Airmen on base can now submit hometown news releases online though the Edwards website. Hometown news releases are designed to help Airmen showcase their accomplishments and worldwide activities through print and electronic news. "The online program is highly recommended amongst all Department of Defense personnel," said Capt. Vince King, 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs chief. "The online form allows the individual to provide their hometown or places their families reside to see what he or she is actually doing, especially if they recently received a high Air Force award or recently returned from a major deployment." The forms can also be used to announce a permanent change of station he said. Hometown news has invested in a new electronic forms software program to help the process of news releases run more effectively than the original process. "Previously, the Air Force had the individual fill out a hard copy of the form and provide it to their home station Public Affairs office who would then fax the form to the servicing agency," Captain King said. "The agency would then have to transcribe the document and submit the requests electronically. Now the process is easier and simple. The individual just goes to the Web site, completes the form, attaches an optional picture and hits submit." To access the online form, go to www.edwards.af.mil/news/hometown.asp. After the form has been submitted, the Air Force News Agency will prepare and distribute news releases to the local newspapers located in the towns entered on the form. "Hometown News Releases are a great tool to help keep family and friends informed of all the great things our fellow Airmen are accomplishing while serving in the military," said Captain King.