Hill takes Airmen as ambassadors to next level

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Genieve David
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Hill Air Force Base recently implemented an idea to localize an ambassadors program after reading the Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne's February Letter to Airmen. 

After a board review, a panel selected six Airmen to serve as ambassadors under the Team Hill Ambassadors program.

"My interest in this program dates back as early as my grade school years when representatives of the armed forces would visit our school," Capt. Samuel Eastman, recently appointed Hill Ambassador, said. "Their smart appearance and self-confident attitude inundated me and reflected the pride and honor they had in their service to our country."

The Hill Ambassador selectees for 2007 are: Maj. (ART GS-14) Max Stitzer, 419th Maintenance Group; Capt. John Valdes III, 526th ICBM Ground Systems Sustainment Group; Capt. Samuel Eastman, 526th ICBM Systems Wing; Chief Master Sgt. (ART GS-12) Robert Klein, 419th Aircraft Maintenance Wing; Senior Master Sgt. Emory Hemphill, 75th Logistics Readiness Squadron; Staff Sgt. Lucas Skillman, 75th LRS; and Airman 1st Class Kenneth Oldaker, 75th Aerospace Medical Squadron.

"Sharing the Air Force message is not just for our senior leaders and public affairs representatives," Secretary Wynne said. "I encourage Airmen to engage your communities and their leaders with your personal stories of service, to share your views on the unique capabilities our Air Force brings to the fight, and to articulate what we need to keep that force strong and vital."

The Utah local communities are extremely supportive of the Air Force and Hill AFB wants to continue to maintain and foster community relations said Valerie Burke, public affairs chief of plans and programs.

"We figured why stop there," said Ms. Burke. "We will have selected Hill ambassadors, other than senior leadership, to represent Hill AFB at targeted community events that can communicate with the local community and tell their Air Force stories."

The program required the nominees to submit an application, with brief biography and essay. After reviewing the applications, those who made the second cut, were invited to an interview panel.

According to Ms. Burke all Airmen, both military and civilian, are encouraged to get out into the community, share their Air Force story and serve as an example to others. Anyone interested in participating in local community events are encouraged to contact their local public affairs office.