Senior leaders draw attention to Energy Awareness Month

Published Oct. 14, 2009
By 11th Wing Public Affairs

BOLLING AFB, D.C. -- Air Force senior leaders are leaning on Airmen to continue to assist with the service's energy challenges and help increase the nation's energy independence.

Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz announced their initiative in a service-wide memo they released Sept. 15.

The memo states the Air Force will answer the president's call to action, while improving the nation's energy security.

October is Energy Awareness Month throughout the federal government. The theme is "Energy Solutions ... Fueling the Mission," according to the secretary and General Schwartz's memo. The theme highlights the importance of energy in the overall mission and supports the Air Force strategy to reduce demand, increase supply and change the culture.

The memo also recognizes the hard work already done by Airmen to decrease energy consumption, improve energy security by making bases more efficient and identifying alternative fuel sources for aircraft.

To meet future endeavors, the secretary and chief of staff established the Energy Program Management Office to serve as the coordinating body for all cross-cutting Air Force energy issues. Individually, Airmen can contribute through their commitment in doing what they can to save energy while they support the Air Force mission.

"Through teamwork and discipline we can execute our strategy and make lasting energy improvements for our Air Force and the nation," the memo concluded.