Innovative Environmental Coin Challenges Altus AFB

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Seidl and SrA Leandra Hernandez
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The 97th Civil Engineer Squadron here wants to recognize outstanding achievers in environmental stewardship and conservation with the award of a numbered challenge coin.

The coin is the first of its kind on Altus AFB.

"We do have specific criteria on how the coin is to be awarded. We don't just give it out," said Michael Reyes, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron environmental program manager.

Anyone on base can earn this honor; the key is environmental excellence. Nominations can come from any source, and should be directed to Mr. David Wallace, 97th Civil Engineering Environmental flight.

"There's a whole bunch of different ways you can do something excellent for your environment and that's captured by the nominee," Mr. Wallace said. "I'll take that into our voting group which is basically the environmental branch and we will vote and it's just a simple majority,".

The coin was designed by members of the 97th Civil Engineer Squadron, and is meant to represent the elements of environmental conservation here at Altus AFB and in Oklahoma.

Recently, six members of the 97th Civil Engineer Squadron received coins during a commander's call to recognize the work they did on the dam and weir system on the flight line side of the base.

"I just think we were doing our job; they asked us to stay late and we did. I appreciate we got recognized for it but we were just doing our job," said Airman 1st Class Corey Barr, water/fuel systems journeyman.

The 97th CES commander said people need to be conscious of the environment.

"From the airfield to our private homes, the environment touches every facet of our lives," Lt. Col Yvonne Spencer, 97th CES commander said. "This environmental recognition program is vital to cultivating a mindset of environmental stewardship within our community. By considering the environmental impacts of our day-to-day activities and operational planning, we all take part in enhancing our readiness to 'fly, fight and win' and ensuring Altus AFB is the best place to work, train, live and play."