Peterson 'a-Twitter' with publicity Published June 25, 2009 By Margie Arnold 21st Force Support Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- On Thursday, June 4, the 21st Force Support Squadron broke ground with another first. It sent its first "tweet," a Twitter message, which read, "Peterson AFB rafts the Royal Gorge Sat & Sun. Not for the timid! Call William or Dan: 719-556-4867 or 556-7753." Twitter is a social messaging utility which allows family, friends, co-workers and business partners to stay connected through the quick exchange of short messages no longer than 140 characters. The 21FSS has two Twitter accounts: www.Twitter.com/PeteRecreation, aimed at E1s-E4s, and www.Twitter.com/GolfDineBowl, aimed at off-base customers who rarely receive base publicity. The 21FSS Marketing Office uses Twitter to reach tech-savvy, younger consumers who don't respond to traditional publicity. Pete Recreation sends Tweets about rafting, skiing, 'boarding, climbing, kayaking, camping, ticket discounts and travel specials. Golf Dine Bowl sends Tweets about golfing, bowling and dining events and other news on base. "We have an entirely new group of consumers on base - young Airmen, E1s through E4s, who don't generally pick up print media. They are our target market for Pete Recreation," said Warren Schroeder, 21 FSS marketing director. "They might decide what to do this weekend based on a text message from a friend or, possibly, a Twitter message they just received." Schroeder said the entire squadron eagerly anticipates connecting with a new market and in a new way with some of the established market. "In a short time we are up to 29 followers (combined), and 62 clicks to our Web site from Twitter," said Schroeder. "This is really exciting."