Laughlin wins AETC program for five consecutive quarters

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John D. Partlow
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  For the 5th consecutive quarter, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, has won the Air Education and Training Command Energy Incentive Award Program for the third quarter of fiscal year 2013.

The award's criteria considers energy and water reduction compared to the previous three years' average baseline.

"Winning this award again has really set the bar high for Laughlin," said David Morin, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron base energy manager. "The teamwork Laughlin has showed these past five quarters sets a great standard."

Laughlin has been the leader in energy saving measures for more than a year, but that doesn't mean the energy team here is planning to only look back on past accomplishments.

"We have a lot of big plans for Laughlin," said Morin. "Our plans range from upgrading to energy-efficient street lights to replacing out-of-date cooling systems in certain buildings."

The reason for these scheduled upgrades isn't just about winning an award.

"The more money we save, the more money goes towards the mission," said Morin. "As we become more fiscally constrained, we have to work together to use money where it's needed the most."

Not only is the Air Force becoming more fiscally constrained, but resources also have their limits.

"Energy is a finite resource and the less we consume now, the more we'll have for future generations," said 1st Lt. Garrett Karnowski, 47th CES operations officer. "Base residents can cut back on their energy consumptions by turning off lights when not in use, replacing bulbs with high-efficiency ones or simply raising the set point on their house thermometer a few degrees."

According to Karnowski and Morin, the award was due to all of the team support Laughlin showed in reducing energy-consuming activities.

"It was an honor to be part of this team and help Laughlin reach its goals to reduce energy and save water," said Karnowski.