Saving where it counts

  • Published
  • By Airman John Linzmeier
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  In response to sequestration and budget-cuts, the "Every Dollar Counts Campaign" has emerged as an opportunity for McConnell Air Force Base personnel to share their best money-saving ideas.

As the largest tanker wing, McConnell AFB has an emphasized responsibility to be involved in the EDCC and contribute to both of its key components.

The first component is as simple as the campaign name - making every dollar count. Just as every Airman is taught the values of situational awareness and attention to detail, it encourages them to be more conscience of unnecessary spending, take action against and collectively fight the pains of sequestration.

"We will need to continue to trim the fat every way we can," said Lt Col. Pamela M. Freeland, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Director of Staff. "If we don't, it affects everything from future projects to the paychecks of individual Airmen, especially our highly valued civilian brethren."

Contributing to the cause can be as simple as keeping a closer track of office materials or as complex as reforming a more cost effective way to run exercises at the command level.

Some forms of unnecessary spending are accredited to a misconception that units must spend their entire budget before the next fiscal year ends in prevention of having a smaller budget the following fiscal year.

On an individual level, each Airman has a reason and the means to make a true impact in the fight against sequestration, because they are all affected by it.

If the every Airman managed to conserve a minimum of 20 cents of Air Force funding for one day, more than $100,000 will be saved collectively.

The second component of EDCC is "Airmen Powered by Innovation," a program encouraging Total Force Airmen, uniformed and civilian, to send their best money-saving ideas directly to the higher level Air Staff.

For the remainder of May 2013, ideas can be submitted by visiting www.af.mil and clicking on the API link. Participation can be from the home, the office or even on a smart phone.

Airmen are encouraged to question dated or unnecessary Air Force instructions and guidelines. The Air Force is ready to shift its perspective toward everyday protocol and is welcoming new ideas, regardless of how small or monumental they may be.

A simple idea discovered on the job can easily be implemented into the workforce, resulting in recognition and rewards.

While the campaign was recently implemented, McConnell AFB has a history of saving money through innovation.

James Shores, 22nd Operations Group short range scheduling chief, was presented a check for $10,000 in August 2012 for identifying a method to reduce fuel waste in air refueling training operations.

Savings and donations generated through the EDCC will fund higher readiness priorities, such as providing repairs for aircraft engines and squeezing in extra flight hours.

"I challenge you to carefully consider and identify those areas where we can save as wing staff agencies -- as base, and as an Air Force," said Freeland.