The Air Force took home one of the nation’s top advertising honors on Feb. 7 at the 2008 ADDY Award ceremony in Dallas. The technology section of the AIRFORCE.com Web site, a recruiting tool, won a Golden Award for best in class in the micro-site category. “This is really significant for us to win what is really the advertising equivalent of an Oscar,” said Brig. Gen. Suzanne M. Vautrinot, commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service. “We are doing amazing things with Web-based technology to allow people to discover more about our Air Force.” The winning section presents visitors with a multimedia experience as they explore Air Force hardware in more depth, including unmanned aerial vehicles, the CV-22, F-22, and F-35 as well as a robotic explosive ordnance disposal device. “The technology section of AIRFORCE.com has a look and appeal designed to resonate with its young audience,” said Col. Tim Hanson, AFRS strategic communications director. “It is gratifying to see our cutting-edge advertising paying off.” He said the Web section is team effort, with credit due not only to the USAF, but also its advertising partners: GSD&M and Virion. (USAF report by Chet R. DelSignore)
The 301st Fighter Wing in Fort Worth, Texas, became the first standalone Reserve unit in the Air Force to get its own F-35s, welcoming the first fighter Nov. 5.