Hometown News releases available online Published Jan. 10, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Vanessa Young 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs RAF LAKENHEATH, England -- Liberty Warriors now have access to a hometown news release on Lakenheath's public Web site. Through the Hometown News Program, Lakenheath Airmen have the opportunity to showcase their accomplishments in their hometown newspapers and news stations. The hometown news staff has invested in a new electronic forms software program to help the process of news releases run more effectively than the original process. Public Affairs offices can execute an entirely electronic hometown news release program. Once a servicemember fills out all of the categories on the form, they should submit them to the 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office that will then route the form to the Army & Air Force Hometown News Service. "Previously, Airmen stopped by our office, filled out a hard copy of the form and our office had to retype and submit them into a secure link," said Suzanne Harper, 48th FW Public Affairs. "Airmen might receive a call from our office verifying their information or asking for further details. This process is now more secure for Airmen." The new process is easier, but there are some requirements. Airmen can fill out a hometown news release when they arrive on station, earn an award or decoration (for Achievement Medal and higher), get promoted (E-3 and higher), re-enlist or earn a college degree. To access the online form, go to www.lakenheath.af.mil and click on the Hometown News Release link under the Featured links category. Airmen are encouraged to read all of the Privacy Act information and instructions available on the form. Once 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. Releases are forwarded out to every media outlet within a 50-mile radius of the towns specified on the form and should be published within approximately eight weeks after they have been submitted. "With the new electronic forms, it is easier for Airmen to fill out the forms online and get the recognition they deserve," said Mrs. Harper. According to Tech. Sgt. Jill LaVoie, 48th FW Public Affairs NCOIC, there's a lot more to filling out a hometown news release than getting recognized in a local newspaper. "These releases help educate family and friends about what we do and instill pride for Airmen and the U.S. Air Force." she said. "Being highlighted in a hometown newspaper might be a small thing to Airmen, but to the families of those Airmen in that hometown, it means a great deal."