McChord commander meets with local media Published May 6, 2008 By Tyler Hemstreet Staff writer SEATTLE, Wash. -- In a move to reach out to the local media and build further on an already strong relationship, Col. Jeffrey Stephenson, 62nd Airlift Wing commander, and 62nd AW Public Affairs representatives met with television and newspaper reporters over lunch Tuesday in Seattle. Colonel Stephenson discussed a wide range of topics with reporters, touching on everything from the McChord's role in the Global War on Terror and joint basing to Air Expo 2008 and Rodeo 2009. The event served as the first informal media forum the 62nd AW Public Affairs Office has ever hosted. The more interactive format was a welcome change to the newspaper military beat writers in attendance. "It was good ... it made things a little more informal," said Mike Gilbert, a reporter from The News Tribune in Tacoma. "It was nice to get away from the site, plus it's always nice to get some face time with the commander." Seattle-area media also embraced the informal environment of the meeting. "This was a really pleasant way to get to know (Colonel Stephenson) both personally and to question him and have some give and take about issues that we as local reporters are interested in," said Mike Barber, a reporter for the Seattle Post- Intelligencer. "The way I have covered the beat is that we're more interested in the quality of life and localizing the human interest stuff. That's why it is beneficial to me. Our chain has people imbedded in Iraq, but I'm more interested in what's going on at the base," he said. Beyond generating several story ideas, the meeting also produced a better understanding of each organizations' unique mission.