379 AEW enters blogosphere, social media arena Published Aug. 29, 2009 By Senior Master Sgt. Ellen Schirmer 379th Air Expeditionary Wing SOUTHWEST ASIA -- People today have a variety of ways to communicate at the speed of electrons, like Twitter, Facebook, and Blogs, just to name a few. The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, along with its commander, has joined in the buzz to highlight, through social media outlets, the happenings at the 'Grand Slam' Wing and broadcast what this team is doing in support of today's fight. In order to better communicate with U.S. joint and Coalition partners deployed and assigned here, as well as their supportive families back home, Brig. Gen. Stephen Wilson launched a blog detailing daily life at this undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. Topics range from the state-of-the-art systems on the wing's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms and the dedicated crews who fly them, to the honorable and solemn ceremonies held in honor of Fallen Warriors en route to their final resting place. "This blog site, which is one of many ways to highlight our stories and messages, gives Airmen a direct line to the commander," said Capt. Martha Petersante-Gioia, 379 AEW public affairs officer, deployed here from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. "By launching this blog, we are effectively leveraging all available tools and bridging the generation gap that can sometimes hamper communication between senior leaders and young Airmen." The general's posting is an overall account of daily life in Southwest Asia, and he welcomes feedback and comments from base members as well as their families back home. "I'm going to use this new blog as an open communication conduit from me to you -- so I encourage everyone to submit their comments and ideas. I really do want to hear from you," General Wilson said. Blogging isn't the only new medium where 379 AEW Airmen can view their accomplishments. For Tweeters, the wing is now 'tweeting' regularly with updates on news and events. Follow @379aew. "Blasts of information feeding directly to cell phones and computers is how a majority of people communicate now," Captain Petersante-Gioia said. "When was the last time you saw a teenager without a cell phone? We have to take advantage of the technology that's available today if we want to succeed in reaching all our target audiences." Following in the digital footsteps of Department of Defense and Air Force leaders, the 'Grand Slam' Wing also launched a Facebook page showcasing the feats of its 'Amazing Airmen.' Users can become fans by entering '379th Air Expeditionary Wing' in Facebook's search bar; by doing so, they will receive updates on the commander's blog, have access to photos of Airmen in action and watch video clips highlighting the wing's support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Facebook, one of the largest social networking communities, reaches more than 250 million users globally. 'Facebooking' is just another way to communicate, in a non-traditional and less formal forum, the wing's mission. "This multi-faceted, new media 'blitz' is two-fold," Captain Petersante-Gioia said. "It showcases the accomplishments of our Airmen in the fight but also provides for open communication from the wing's leadership to all Airmen and their families, unfiltered." So, log on and become a fan -- the commander is waiting to hear from you.