The Compass takes a different direction

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Windish
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The 31st Fighter Wing is transforming several of its communication products in an effort to more effectively report on upcoming community and on-base events and information for Aviano Airmen and their families.

The most visible of these changes will be the discontinuation of the hard copy version of the Compass, which will be replaced by an e-mail and online version.

"Based on feedback from our readers and leadership, we found that travel information was a key factor in why people picked up the Compass each week," said Capt. Erick Saks, 31st FW Public Affairs chief. "The problem is that the Compass is only printed twice a month, and much of the information is outdated after the first weekend. We are missing the mark when it comes to providing current and relevant information."

Beginning June 1, the first e-mail version of the Compass will be sent through the Aviano All e-mail distribution list and to those who have signed up to receive the Wyvern.

People will find everything they looked for in the paper version of the Compass, in the digital version including off-base events, Information, Tickets and Tours trips, travel tips and a feature travel article, delivered in an easy-to-read format directly to their e-mail addresses.

The Compass, will now be smartphone friendly and focus solely on off-base recreation events. People looking for on-base news and events can refer to the Wyvern, which has now been designated primarily for on-base happenings and will be sent out Monday mornings.

"Monday's Wyvern will lead off the week with the most important news and information you will need," said Saks. "The new Compass will be sent out Friday mornings to include the most up-to-date events from the Friday morning Italian newspapers to help you plan out your weekend."

The new weekly electronic format, rather than the bi-weekly print publication currently in use, will allow more information to be sent out in a timely manner.

"While many people like the paper publication, it just isn't the best way to deliver timely travel information," Saks said. "There may be a really great cultural event happening in the area that we don't hear about until after the Compass has been sent to the publisher, and by then it's too late. With the electronic version, we can wait until the Friday papers come out and send a current, comprehensive list of events in the area."

In addition to the weekly digital newsletters, Aviano community members can also refer to Aviano's public website at www.aviano.af.mil for base news and photos, newcomer information, base phone numbers, customer service hours and more. To read about events specifically hosted by the 31st Force Support Squadron, the unit has a new publication, called the Snapshot, that is available at 31st FSS locations around base. People can also visit its website at www.31fss.com.

Anyone looking for all on- and off-base events in one location can download the new My Military Communities smartphone application on the App Store or Android Market.

"We feel this is the best way to streamline base information resources," Saks said. "We strive to ensure everyone knows exactly where to look for what they need, and we are constantly looking to improve information tools for the Aviano community. We welcome any suggestions anyone may have while we are going through this transition."

The 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs office also encourages submissions of events and travel articles. For more information, call the public affairs office at DSN 632-7555.