Tinker to celebrate Energy Action Month

  • Published
  • By Brion Ockenfels
  • Tinker Public Affairs
October is Energy Action Month. This year's theme, "I am Air Force Energy, Power the Force, Fuel the Fight," will focus awareness on the role each Airman plays in helping the Air Force achieve its energy goals.

Mandated by the Energy Policy Act, the Air Force needs to reduce energy consumption by 30 percent by the year 2015.

"As the No. 1 consumer of energy in the Air Force, Team Tinker is on track to meet this mandate," said Tinker's Energy Manager, Mark McWhirter. "We need every Team Tinker Airman, Sailor, employee and contractor on base to help meet this goal."

Mr. McWhirter said this year's theme creates a renewed opportunity to promote base energy and water conservation awareness led by the Department of Energy.

Traditionally, Air Force installations celebrate EAM by hosting energy days, providing training and handing out information in public areas.

Though much effort is being put into reducing Tinker's energy footprint, full cooperation is needed from every member of the Team Tinker to meet energy goals, Mr. McWhirter said.

The 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineering Directorate with the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex is planning a wide range of Energy Action Month events.

Even students from Tinker Elementary School are participating in an Energy Awareness poster contest with the winning posters of the contest proudly displayed around the base.

Throughout October, there will be several ways in which you can be part of Energy Action Month. A detailed listing of event dates, places and times will be in the Oct. 4 edition of the Tinker Take Off, but here is a sneak peek:

· Tinker's Energy Team is hosting an Energy Conservation Poster Contest with Tinker Elementary School the first week in October. Students have been learning about energy conservation and will turn in posters Oct. 4. Winners and awards will be announced Oct. 18.

· A Hybrid and Electric Car Show is planned for the third week of October at the Tinker Exchange parking lot. A tour of the LEED buildings constructed on base will also be held that week.

· On Oct. 18, visit Energy Awareness vendor booths, along with Tinker's Energy Team, at Hollywood and Vine in Bldg. 3001. Carpooling is recommended if visiting from another area of the installation.

· Wear your best Halloween costume in an electrifying Spooktacular 3k Fun Run Oct. 31.
Keep an eye out for upcoming articles on energy tips that focus on what you can do at Tinker AFB, on the road and at home to save energy.

For energy saving ideas, more information about Team Tinker's energy goals and what you can to meet those goals in your work centers, call the Tinker Energy Team at 734-4449 or send your ideas to energy@us.af.mil.