McChord Field Visual Information Services Center: open for business

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Leah Young
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  The McChord Field Visual Information Services Center opened for business Jan. 4, and is offering its services to all of Joint Base Lewis-McChord and beyond.

"We offer a wide variety of services such as signs, charts, laminations, posters, mounting and program designing," said Ken Mitchell, McChord Field Visual Information Services Center specialist. "There isn't much that we are unable to produce. Our goal is to eventually offer the same services as the Lewis Main visual information studio."

The new multimedia shop, located in the basement of Building 100, Suite B-175, offers a wide variety of print services on many different materials.

"Everything we produce can be printed on different materials," said Master Sgt. Chris Haylett, McChord Field Visual Information Services Center photographer. "We have lamination capabilities and the machinery to print onto material such as foam core, coroplast and metal."

The office will soon be offering official photographs, both full length and head shot.

"We're just waiting for a wall to be installed before we can begin taking official and ISO-prep photos," said Sergeant Haylett. "Once that construction is over, customers have their choice between getting their official photos taken here or at the Lewis Main office, whichever is more convenient for the customer."

Although official photos will be offered at the McChord Field Visual Information Services Center, passport photos will now be taken in the passport office inside of the customer service mall in Building 100.

"Customers have to get their passport photos taken in the passport office now, but it will still be an easy process," said Sergeant Haylett.

In addition to multimedia products, the new office also provides audio and photographic support.

"Everyone in the office is a photographer," said Melanie Williams, McChord Field Visual Information Services Center specialist. "So, if a squadron needs photographic support for an event, we are able to provide it for them. We also offer sound services, to include the public address and intercom systems for official functions."

"We also offer video services, which is something brand new," said Sergeant Haylett. "Video services have never been available at McChord Field until now. We offer video services for events such as change of command and award presentation ceremonies."

The new office serves the entire JBLM community, but little do most customers know, JBLM is just one small location in the office's wide range of clientele.

"We have a large area of coverage," said Mitchell. "We service every military base west of the Mississippi River."

To submit a work order, put a request in at www.vios-west.army.mil or at the customer service window of the office. The office currently fulfills requests in an average of 30 days.

McChord Field Visual Information Services Center hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed for lunch noon to 1 p.m.
Photo services available 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., closed for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed for lunch noon to 1 p.m.
Photo services available 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., closed for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursday
1 to 4 p.m.
Photo services available 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Customers may reach the multimedia office by phone at (253) 982-2271.