Visual Information merges with Public Affairs Published May 30, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Michael Edmond 934th AW Public Affairs Minneapolis, St. Paul -- The base photography and audiovisual personnel have been officially integrated with the 934th Public Affairs as of Oct. 1. The merger has effectively consolidated the photo and audiovisual into one unit to streamline its functions, said Master Sgt. Paul Zadach, the noncommissioned officer in charge of 934th public affairs. "It's now a one stop shop," he added. "Now everything is under the umbrella of strategic communications." Public Affairs has absorbed two photographers into its unit, and are already reaping the benefits of it, said Sergeant Zadach. "PA is learning the skills of comm., and comm. is learning the skills of PA. It gives PA personnel a wider knowledge base," he explained. "The merger will enable PA to provide better service to our customers because we now have more people trained to do more things." Two of the larger functions that PA is now responsible for are official photos and passport photos. PA is able to shoot both during the week by appointment only. During the Reserve drill weekends, official photos will continue to be by appointment only, but passport photos will be from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and no appointment is necessary. The photo studio hasn't moved and is still in the comm. building. Prior to having an official photo or passport photo, an AF Form 833 needs to be filled out.