UPAR - Chapter 4

The following sample news releases are provided to assist you in preparing unit-level releases. All releases should be typewritten and doubled-spaced on your unit's letterhead. Never send a fill-in-the-blanks news release that has been hand-written. Include your name and unit phone number on the release, or the name and phone number of a knowledgeable person who can assist a journalist with any follow-up questions. Keep a copy of every release in your unit files. If the news has impact at higher command levels or is especially unique, send a copy to your state Public Affairs Officer.

To be sure you've gotten everything correct, have the person you're writing the story about complete and sign a News Release Questionnaire (example included with this Handbook) or use DD Form 2266 (available on Forms Flow software) and retain it in your file with a copy of the story. Be very careful and sensitive when including information about a person's family members, especially when dealing with people who might be divorced, separated, widowed or single parents. To be safe, don't do a news story on someone who refuses to complete the Questionnaire or DD Form 2266.

To be completed by everyone who agrees to the use of their name in a news release prepared by your unit. Retain this signed form with your file copy of the news release.

Name
Unit
MOS or AFSC Described in words, not letters and numbers
Hometown
Civilian Occupation/ Employer (If appropriate)
Spouse/family (If appropriate)
Parents and their hometown (If appropriate)
High School and Colleges attended, including year graduated and field of study
Remarks
STATEMENT I authorize this information to be used and published in an Army/Air National Guard news release. _________________________________________ Signature and Date

__________ (name) of _________ (hometown) was sworn in _____ (day/date) as the newest member of the __________ (state) _____ (Army/Air) National Guard's __________ (unit).

__________ (last name) enlisted under a program which pays __________ (describe benefits, such as G.I. Bill). He/she is enrolled at/works at __________ (college or civilian employment, and is studying __________ (college major or career field).

The oath of enlistment was administered by __________ (name of officer). Attending the ceremony were __________ (list any significant guests, such as family members and their relationship to the new soldier/airman).

__________ (last name) will begin __________ (describe training) active-duty training at __________ (duty station) and will be assigned to __________ (describe person's National Guard duties) when he/she returns.

__________ (name) of __________ (hometown) has been promoted to the rank of __________ (describe new rank in words such as staff sergeant, not E-6) in __________ (Guard unit).

__________ (last name) has been a member of the _____ (state) Army/Air National Guard for _____ years. The promotion brings a new position, that of __________ (job title), with responsibilities for __________ (explain new duties).

In civilian life, __________ (last name) works at __________ (employer) as a __________ (job title).

__________ (rank and name) of __________ (hometown), a member of __________ (National Guard unit), received the __________ (certificate or medal) __________ (day/date). The honor was presented to __________ (last name) for __________ (reason for presentation).

In civilian life, __________ (last name) is employed by __________ (employer) __________ as a __________ (give title/duties). He/she has been a member of the _____ (state) Army/Air National Guard for _____ (years), and currently is assigned to __________ (unit) as a __________ (describe military duties).

__________ (rank and name) was honored recently as an honor graduate of __________ (name of course) at the __________ (name of military school), __________ (location).

__________ (last name), a member of __________ (unit), __________ (unit location), attended the course for _____ (time length). Following his/her return to the unit, he/she will be assigned to the __________ (section) as a __________ (job title).

In civilian life, __________ (last name) is employed by __________ (employer) as a __________ (describe duties). He/she has been a member of the _____ (state) Army/Air National Guard for _____ (years).

__________ (rank and name) is the new commander of __________ (Guard unit), __________ (location).

__________ (name) received command of the unit __________ (day/date) from __________ (rank and name), who had commanded the unit since __________ (month/year).

__________ (last name) commented after accepting command of the _____ (size of the unit) member National Guard unit that, "__________ (insert quote or appropriate comment from commander).

In civilian life, __________ (last name) is employed by __________ (employer) as a __________ (title/duties). He/she has been a member of the _____ (state) Army/Air National Guard for _____ (years).

__________ (last name of departing commander), the departing commander, is being assigned to __________ (describe new assignment, retirement or separation from service).

__________ (rank and name) of __________ (hometown) retired __________ (date) from the _____ (state) Army/Air National Guard with _____ (years) years military service.

His/her last assignment, which he/she held since __________ (month/year), was with __________ (unit) located in __________ (city), where he/she was __________(unit assignment).

Previous assignments included __________ (highlight just the primary assignments and dates held).

__________ (last name) began his/her military career in _____ (year), when he/she __________ (enlisted/was commissioned) _____ in the _____ (branch of service). He/she served __________ (list wartime assignments, if any) and was awarded __________ (list top awards).

__________ (last name) future plans include __________ (briefly describe plans). (If appropriate, briefly describe the servicemenber's spouse and family and their connections to the National Guard, if any).

The __________ (state) Army/Air National Guard's Armory/Base at __________ (street address and city) will conduct a free public open house __________ (date) from __________ (hours of open house).

__________ (rank and name), commander of the __________ (unit), invites everyone to attend. Displays and demonstrations of equipment used by the National Guard, and information about a wide variety of programs sponsored by the __________ (state) National Guard, will be available.

(In the next paragraphs, include a quote or comment from the command or other appropriate person and explain highlights of what will be on display, guest speakers, demonstrations, refreshments, etc. Include information about parking and access to the installation).

Annual training for the __________ (unit), __________ (unit's location), will be conducted at __________ (site of training) from __________ (start date) until __________ (end date).

This year, unit members will concentrate on __________ (describe highlights of training), according to __________ (unit commander).

(Use additional paragraphs to describe other interesting facets of the training. If appropriate, include safety information about convoy movements or other events that could have an impact on the public. Example, a tactical exercise in the training area that might make unusual noise. A similar news release can be written at the conclusion of training to describe the unit's experiences, awards received, etc.).