Video competition seeks entries

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — What does MyAirForceLife.com have in common with YouTube, the world’s most popular online video community? Like YouTube, MyAirForceLife.com accepts video clips, allowing the global community to watch, share and vote on videos online.

What’s different is visitors to MyAirForceLife.com have an opportunity to participate in exciting competitions where they can win great prizes.

Eligible participants have a shot at winning a digital video equipment package valued at $2,000 for receiving the most online votes on the MyAirForcelife.com site.

Now through Apr. 4, Air Force Services Agency officials will accept video competition entries on http://www.myairforcelife.com as part of the Year of the Air Force Family. Enter your submission early to have more time to rack up votes.

Airmen and eligible patrons of Air Force MWR programs can upload a 30 to 60-second video telling a story that the Air Force is a great place to live, work and play. Once uploaded, visitors to the site can view and vote for their favorite videos. Entries with the highest number of votes will become finalists.

Online voting will select one winner in each category (youth and adult) to win an Apple MacBook and a Panasonic digital video camera. The winner in the adult category will have his or her video featured on the Pentagon channel and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service channel.

Last year, Air Force Services Agency officials launched MyAirForceLife.com to help airmen and their families stay connected, informed and engaged in programs as part of the Year of the Air Force Family.

“To date, we have awarded over 225 prizes, including Apple Macbook computers, Sony eBook Readers, iPods, iTunes gift cards, Acer netbooks, and more,” said Debbie Karnes, Air Force Agency spokeswoman. “A list of winners can be found on the site. For each competition, we add new prizes. During the video short competition, those who register on the site are eligible to win FlipVideo cameras.”

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley designated July 2009 to July 2010 as the Year of the Air Force Family, a period to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of the diverse Air Force family including active duty, Reserve, Air National Guard, single airmen, civilians, spouses, children, retirees and community partners.

“Taking care of families is a solemn promise we make to each airman and family member,” said Donley. “Sense of community is a cultural trademark of the Air Force, and we will seek ways to nurture it as part of the larger ‘Year of the Air Force Family’ effort.”

To find details on the contest and to enter, airmen and eligible patrons of Air Force MWR programs can log on to http://www.myairforcelife.com.