Aviano becomes first overseas base to use MyMC2 app

  • Published
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --   Want to connect with friends and family? There's an app for that. Need to find the best restaurant around? There's an app for that.

Want to know what events are going on at Aviano and in its surrounding communities? Now there is an app for that, too.

It's called "My Military Communities," or MyMC2, and it's the first mobile application in the Air Force that will put a list of every event at your base in the palm of your hand. The app is a free download available for smart phones and tablets through both the Android Market and Apple's App Store.

Aviano is the first overseas base to use the application and is one of only eight installations worldwide. The app pulls event listings from organizational Facebook pages that are officially associated with the base and consolidates them into one place.
The app opens up to a main page that lists the next five events available at each base. Users then have the option to narrow or expand their search by organizational or event type categories.

"This app is the perfect information tool for the Aviano community," said Capt. Erick Saks, 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs chief. "These days, most people don't always have time to read through an e-mail or search the Web to find out what's going on around base and in their area. With the development of this app, they can get all the information at a glance and they can narrow everything down so they only see the information that is pertinent to them."

For example, if an Airman was interested in finding something to do this weekend with his family, he could choose the "Recreation" category. That would then show all of the upcoming events that fit that description. He may see that outdoor recreation is hosting a family day hike on Saturday. He could then click on that event, which would give him a more detailed description, including time, location and a contact number. He could click a button and have the event automatically added to the calendar on his mobile phone, and he could call the organization or open the organization's Facebook page or website from the event posting. He could also touch a map icon, which will open up his native GPS app program for directions to the event.

Posts typically include 31st Force Support Squadron events such as off base trips, sporting activities and educational classes; professional organization meetings like the Aviano Airmen Advisory Council and Top 3; base-wide events such as commander's calls and down days; and off-base events like local markets, festivals and more.
"Being stationed overseas is a great opportunity to travel and experience different cultures," said Saks. "We populate the app's calendar to ensure people are not only seeing what events are happening on base, but also to let people know about great cultural events happening in their area. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, check the app. There may be a market, fair or concert in your town."

In addition to event listings in the app, there are two quick-call buttons on the home page that are programmed to the Aviano operator and the 31st Security Forces Squadron law enforcement desk that require a simple click to be connected.

"MyMC2 is a great resource for newcomers as well, putting important information in the palm of their hand," said Saks. "The Right Start schedule will be available, spouse events for families and dining facility specials for single Airmen."

The Aviano Public Affairs office was looking for better ways to get more information to the Aviano community, according to Saks. This complements the services already offered by the Wyvern and Compass. The app creates a centralized place for people to go not only for events, but also for quick access to all the helping agencies on base, he continued.
"With so many Airmen and family members here using smartphones, this is another way for us to get our information out there," said Maj. Andrew St. Sauver, 31st FSS operations officer. "We're really excited about it."

To download the app, open your smartphone's app store and search "My Military Communites" or "MyMC2."

For more information, or to submit suggestions for improvement to services, contact the 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at DSN 632-7555.