TXSG PAOs participate in 3rd Annual TXMF International PAO Conference
MAJ Michael Spraggins, PAO TXSG
2010/03/24
Texas Military Affairs 2010 Public Affairs Conference Workshop - Austin, Texas 22-24 February 2010
Military PAOs from Kansas, Chile, Florida, the Czech Republic, Alabama, Virginia and South Dakota along with TXMF Army, Air and TXSG were present for the Third Annual TXMF International PAO Conference, hosted by COL William Meehan, Director of Public Affairs, Texas Military Forces and his staff. In addition a number of civilians from Texas Governor’s Office of Emergency Management, ESGR, as well as numerous other civilian organizations were in attendance.
TXSG was well represented; by MAJ Michael Spraggins HQ, MAJ Janet Alvarez HQ, CPT Porshe 19REGT, 2LT Shawn James 5AW, SrA John Crowder 4AW and CPL Jason Marshburn 4REGT.
During the Conference it became readily apparent that no matter military or civilian, what branch of the service, what state, or what country, PAOs all face the same challenges of getting their story out to the public.
A tour and briefing at the JOC at Camp Mabry was included, with transportation provided by a TXMF UH-60 Blackhawk, from Bee Caves Armory to Camp Mabry and back.
TXSG PAOs also met with BG Charles Miller, Chief of Staff, during a tour of TXSG HQ, conducted by MSG Randy Hoffman, a full time employee of the HQ J-1 section.
The TXSG attendees also had a chance to meet with Chief Information Officer and Commander of the HQ J-6 section, COL Janice Bruno.
COL Bruno discussed the important roll that each unit PAO plays in helping spread the word in the local community about the good works their units do, thereby raising public awareness and assisting with recruiting.