Speakers Bureau: Ambassadors for the Liberty Wing

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nicholasa Reed
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The 48th Fighter Wing Speakers Bureau is a public affairs program designed to increase public awareness of the U.S. Air Force. 

"This program is an excellent opportunity for Airmen on base to hone their speaking skills while educating the local community on the RAF Lakenheath and Air Force missions," said Staff Sgt. Vanessa Young, 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs NCOIC, community relations. 

According to the 48th Fighter Wing Community Relations Advisor, Natalie Benge, we regularly receive requests from the local community for speakers, anything from schools to voluntary organizations. We try to support as many of these requests as possible. 

"There is a massive benefit to the base to build good relations with our local community. The speakers program is an excellent way of reaching a variety of audiences," said Ms. Benge. 

Liberty Wing Airmen can designate which subjects they would like to speak about and which audiences they would like to speak to on their speaker's form. 

"Airmen will only speak on topics and to audiences they feel comfortable with," said Sergeant Young. 

All active-duty military personnel can volunteer to be in the speakers bureau, from pilots, to weapon systems officers, aircraft maintainers, medics, security forces or support personnel. 

"Each Airman's varying experiences provide unique insight into the US Air Force," said Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Williams, 48th Fighter Wing command chief. "Not only is this an excellent volunteer opportunity, but as a speaker you are an ambassador to the base and to the U.S. Air Force." 

Once a month, the public affairs office will send an e-mail of upcoming speaking event to the Speakers Bureau e-mail distribution list. The e-mail will include the who, what, when and where of the engagements available for the next month. If an Airman is interested in volunteering to speak at a specific event, they can call the public affairs office and more information will be provided. 

"There are some opportunities where a group or school will request more than one speaker," said Sergeant Young. "So, if someone is nervous about speaking on their own, they can volunteer for an event where there will be more than one person requested." 

If requested, the public affairs office will provide the volunteer an electronic copy of the 48th Fighter Wing mission and history brief presentation slides and a script. Also, if requested, the public affairs office can provide general speeches about Air Force topics. 

"It doesn't matter if you are an Airman working on the flightline or in the dining facility or the commander of a squadron, anyone can volunteer to share the Air Force story." said Sergeant Young. 

For more information on the Speakers Bureau, contact 48 FW/PA at 226-2151 or e-mail 48fw.pa@lakenheath.af.mil.