PYEONGTAEK, South Korea — The Army’s new commander in the Daegu region is putting big emphasis on radio as a tool in reaching area military communities with public service announcements, including those about safety and recreation.
Col. John E. Dumoulin Jr., Area IV Support Activity commander, wants key members of his staff to record 30-second public service spots to air on American Forces Network-Korea radio.
The station, at Camp Walker, reaches U.S. military communities in Daegu, Waegwan, Pohang, Chinhae and Busan. Dumoulin assumed command July 20.
The spots could cover virtually any topic of community importance — from use of smoke detectors, to recycling, to announcements of visits by “headliner” entertainers performing for troops — said Kevin Jackson, chief spokesman for the Area IV Support Activity at Camp Henry.
“There’s not a whole lot you can say in 30 seconds, but it does give you an opportunity to give out some very important information quickly to people,” Jackson said.
“I guess we may do one every week or every other week depending on the issues or the activities that are occurring in the community,” he said.
Dumoulin recorded two spots Aug. 18, one on destructive weather, the other on heat injuries and electrocution, as well as a “liner” that identifies the station. All three aired the same day.
“As a leader, I’m very concerned about safety and everyone should be! At this time of year, high temperatures and electrical issues are among my major safety concerns,” Dumoulin states in one of the spots.
Jackson said Dumoulin “did the first two but his intention is that some of the directors will tape their spots for radio public service announcements.”
“Our commander wants the community to know who our primary staff consists of,” said Jackson.
“They will know who to contact when they need help with a myriad of issues within the community.”
That, for example, could mean visits to the studio by everyone from Area IV’s fire chief and recreation director to the chiefs of public works, environment or housing, Jackson said.
