Innovative Airman of the Week

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Maj. Dominic Conlan, 58th Airlift Squadron support flight commander, was named Innovative Airman of the Week, Feb. 8. Conlan fostered six new cost savings programs for the 58th AS. As a result, his flight won an Air Education and Training Command Cost Conscience Culture award for their implementation of a travel savings initiative, which through consolidation and rescheduling, saved the 58th AS more than $5,000 in travel expenses. He also led a squadron supply initiative scouring the Wing Trading Post and DRMO to find usable equipment effectively avoiding more than $2,000 in purchases. Additionally, he created a new audit and analysis program for computer equipment, which resulted in the 58th AS reducing its technology expenditures by 18 percent with no loss of capability, and a savings of more than $5,600 per year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jesse Lopez / Released)

Innovative Airman of the Week

Jon Whatcott, 97th Force Support Squadron equipment rental manager, was named Innovative Airman of the Week, Feb. 8. Whatcott's responsibility is to efficiently manage the 97th FSS Outdoor Recreation equipment operation. During his duties he transformed the Outdoor Recreation loan and rental operation, utilizing a large and varied inventory of Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office assets with a total value of approximately $100,000.

Innovative Airman of the Week Jan. 2, 2012

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Alice Moore, 97 Maintenance Directorate technical order distribution officer, was named Innovative Airman of the Week, Jan. 1, 2013. Alice is the focal point for conversion of paper technical orders to digital. She oversaw the conversion of more than 4,000 C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker hard copy technical orders and trained more than 400 maintainers on how to access and use digital replacements. She ensures libraries are established and a sufficient number of eTools and desktop computers are available to maintainers. She pioneered the idea of portable workstations with large dual monitors to help back-shop technicians read complex diagrams; an innovation copied throughout the command. During this unprecedented change, Moore was there to calm nerves and establish confidence. Her efforts established Altus as the “benchmark” for Headquarters Air Education and Training Command Special Interest Item, designed to save the Air Force money on printing, distribution, and maintenance cost.

Innovative Airman of the Week

Dawn Tabor, 97th Maintenance Group electronics integrated systems mechanic, was named the Innovative Airman of the Week, Dec. 7, 2012. Tabor spearheaded the refurbishment of KC-135 Stratotanker ovens and was instrumental in securing the proper tape, wire, insulation and gaskets to perform the task. Tabor also procured all parts and manufactured a new test and repair set-up to clean and service the coffee pots on the C-17 Globemaster III Air Transportable Galley Lavatories. Tabor then coordinated with the base configurations section to have all of the coffee pots rotated through the repair cycle and also set up the schedule to ensure compliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Franklin Ramos / Released)

Innovative Airman of the Week

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Airman 1st Class Garison Dollar, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron Electrical Power Production journeyman, was named Innovative Airman of the Week, Nov. 26, 2012. Dollar restored an old generator in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning/refrigeration shop’s Rescue Unit, saving the Air Force approximately $8,000. Aside from Dollar’s military duties, he is an active volunteer for the Salvation Army and the Altus Operation Care’s food bank distribution center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Levin Boland / Released)

Innovative Airman of the Week

Staff Sgt. Meshanda Lopez, 97th Air Mobility Wing Office of the Staff Judge Advocate NCO in charge of military justice, was named the Innovative Airman of the Week, Nov. 13, 2012. Lopez assisted 339 clients with power of attorneys and notaries, briefed 150 Airmen in smooth-move briefings, and briefed all levels of wing leadership during three status of discipline briefings. Aside from fulfilling additional military duties, Lopez remains involved with base and community activities such as volunteering for a local orphanage and the domestic violence shelter.