Altus AFB celebrates Earth Day

  • Published
  • By Airman Klynne Pearl Serrano
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  In celebration of Earth Day, the 97th Civil Engineering Squadron planted Oklahoma's state tree, the Redbud, at the Wings of Freedom Park on base April 20, 2012.

The base Cub Scout pack 212 assisted in the tree planting ceremony.

"Trees help eliminate carbon in the air ... by planting more trees, the better off we are on the planet," said Senior Master Sgt. Dean Zoet, 97th CES environmental superintendent.

The 97th CES also coordinated with the 97th Force Support Squadron, and the base Commissary to host an Earth Day run at the Fitness Center April 18.

The Earth Day run consisted of a 5k and 10k run, said Lena Moreau, 97th Force Support Squadron fitness and sports assistant manager. Free T-shirts, fruit and water were also provided for the runners.

"The commissary donated the fruit and water and the 97th CES provided the T-shirts and trophies," Moreau said.

The base library also helped to raise awareness about Earth Day.

"We handed out neat leaflets at the base library with tips on how to conserve energy," Zoet said.

"There are many ways to conserve energy", Zoet said. Little things like taking shorter showers, car pooling, and buying food locally can help conserve energy and resources.

"The more we conserve and reduce energy, the better off we are on this planet," Zoet said.

For more information on Earth Day, visit www.earthday.org/2012.