MISSION
Public Affairs fulfills the Army's obligation to keep the American people and the Army informed and helps to establish the conditions that lead to confidence in America's Army and its readiness to conduct operations in peacetime, conflict and war. The Public Affairs Office supports the garrison and command group by communicating on behalf of the installation and its leadership - providing clear, accurate, timely information to internal & external audiences. We employ a variety of communication strategies- including internal news and information products, media engagement, and public outreach.
MEDIA RELATIONS DIVISION
The Public Affairs office assists members of the news media in reporting on Fort Walker, ensuring the American public has access to the information they need understand the military's role in the community, in support of the nation, and in the world. Media Relations is responsible for:
- Releasing information, arranging interviews, responding to media inquiries, and coordinating access to the installation for news media representatives,
- Inviting reporters to significant events that highlight missions, programs, or issues of interest to the public,
- Providing media awareness and media engagement training to members of the Fort Walker community.
Reporting on Fort Walker
High-profile military missions, high-tech military equipment, high-intensity training opportunities, our innovative installation and family support programs, and easy access from Washington and Richmond are among the many reasons local, national, and international news organizations cover activities at Fort Walker.
Media office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. East Coast Time. Call (804) 633-8120.
For urgent issues after duty hours, call the duty desk at (804) 633-8888, and ask for the Public Affairs Officer on call.
Media Escort Requirements
Fort Walker is a closed military installation. For security reasons, installation access rules require a public affairs escort to be present any time members of the media conduct news-gathering activities on post. For invited events, media should RSVP in accordance with the instructions provided in the news release to coordinate a public affairs escort onto the installation.
For other stories, news media representatives may request assistance from the Media Relations section. Requests are granted when service and DoD regulations as resources allow.
Service members and military family members who are interested in engaging the media are encouraged to contact our office for assistance. If the story is of limited official interest, we may suggest meeting with the reporter off-base (where a public affairs escort is not required).
For stories not related to the subject's military affiliation, we can generally provide an escort onto the installation only if the story cannot be adequately reported without such access.
Please note:
Our office does not facilitate "reaction" stories (stories seeking service member or military family member reactions to issues of current interest or events) and "person-on-the-street" interviews - reporters may solicit military personnel and their families for their reactions to current events via other means, but we will not use military resources to provide an escort onto the installation for these types of stories.
Possession of a military-issued ID card or visitor pass does not constitute permission to conduct newsgathering activities on any part of the installation without a public affairs escort. Pass-holders and/or the visitor's military sponsor may be held responsible if a pass or military ID is misused.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Community Relations programs support and sustain relationships between service members and leaders at Fort Walker and citizens of neighboring civilian communities.
- Community Requests - Request a guest speaker or military equipment display; Requests should be submitted via email or mail (see below for contact info). Most requests require a legal review and direct coordination with units - please submit requests at least 60 days prior to your event.
Aviation requests are not reviewed by Fort Walker PAO. Submit directly to the service component public affairs office - Army, Air Force, Navy or Marine Corps - using the contact info listed in the directions for that form.
- Disturbances caused by military training please visit our NOISE REPORT page.
Submitting forms:
By mail:
Public Affairs Office
Bldg. 145
14135 Montague Rd.
Fort Walker, VA 22427
By email:
usarmy.aphill.imcom-atlantic.mbx.pao@mail.mil
RESOURCES
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To receive the daily ARNEWS email digest, subscribe⚠ HERE
DIGITAL MEDIA DIVISION
The Digital Media Division disseminates news and information to online and mobile audiences in order to shape conditions that enhance the trust and confidence in America's Army.
