The 47th Civil Engineer Squadron and dormitory managers came together to move vehicle sun-shades from a vacant lot to the single officer dormitory where they can be of use again.

Prior to leaving the single officer dorms, each resident completes an end of course critique. On those critiques was a pattern, or common complaint.

“We need sun-shades,” the critiques stated. A valid concern during Texas’ 100-plus degree summers.

Luckily, there were sun-shades located at the old enlisted dormitory that were no longer being used because it was closed. They just needed to be moved a few blocks down the street to their new location.

“Moving the sun-shades from the enlisted dormitory to the officer dormitory was just a ‘what if’ idea I proposed,” said Sandra Harper, 47th CES capital asset element chief. “Now here we are. We were able to improve quality of life and save thousands of dollars by reusing what we already had.”

The shades were put in place on June 10, 2016, and are now being fully used by those who reside at the single officer dormitory.

“For what may seem like such a small thing, these sun-shades have improved my life so much,” said 2nd Lt. Ken Skelton, 47th Student Squadron awaiting pilot training. “I try to take care of my car, and these shades make doing so much easier.”

A rather small project such as this one has made a big difference to those in the dorm, and will provide protection for incoming student pilots vehicles for years to come.