Name-the-tanker contest missed chance to connect with public

[unhappycamper]

Name-the-tanker contest missed chance to connect with public
By Robert F. Dorr

The Air Force wants to connect with civilians so badly that it’s running a $25 million multimedia advertising campaign — the “Above All” ads you’ve undoubtedly seen — and hopes to spend twice that amount on new ads next year.

But the service missed an easy chance to connect with supporters across America when it barred most civilians, even veterans, from participating in a contest to name a new plane for which taxpayers are picking up the tab.

On May 15, Air Force leaders announced they wanted airmen to suggest a name for the new tanker-transport, the KC-45A.

The new, name-the-plane contest is open to “active-duty, Guard and Reserve airmen, as well as Air Force government civilians,” according to an Air Force news release. If you haven’t weighed in already, you may be too late. The deadline is May 30, just two weeks after the contest was announced.

No doubt it makes sense that those who’ll support, maintain and fly the KC-45A should choose its name.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/community/opinion/airforce_backtalk_tanker_060208/

[hobbit709]

1. With today's fuel prices it should be The Flying Moneybucket