501st CSW social media sites open to all

  • Published
  • By Capt. Brian Maguire
  • 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs
RAF ALCONBURY, United Kingdom --  The past year has seen tremendous growth in the 501st Combat Support Wing's social media accounts, especially the wing's Facebook page.

The Facebook page had only been accessible by users with Facebook accounts, but now anyone can view the wing's page by clicking http://www.facebook.com/pages/501st-Combat-Support-Wing/129046107115365.

By saving the above link to your favorites, you can view all the updates the wing makes to keep our Airmen, their families and our mission partners informed.

The difference between visiting the wing Facebook page with a Facebook account and without an account is that Facebook users, when they like the page, can receive wing updates directly to their page. Users without a Facebook account must navigate to the 501st CSW Facebook page to find the information.

During the recent inclement weather, some wing members and mission partners were unable to access the wing website to stay up to date regarding the weather information. The public affairs office posts the same information to the Facebook page as on the wing website, so it is easier to stay informed.

The wing Facebook page is not just for members of the 501st CSW, but for all mission partner personnel and their families as well. Information related to one of the 501st installations affects all members at that installation, and not just members of the wing.

A common concern expressed by Airmen about liking the wing on Facebook is that leadership can see their pictures. The way the wing's Facebook page is set up, the wing can not see user's pictures, other than profile pictures, and users posts only appear on the wing's wall when directing a question or comment to the wing.

Social media outlets allow the wing public affairs office to engage in a dialogue with Airmen, their families and mission partners. They also allow PA to push information about the wing to our audiences, including information related to weather conditions, base closures or delays, or other useful information.