VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- As many of you have already heard, Vance moved into first place in the Air Education and Training Command Monthly Energy Report and Incentive Award Program. This is a direct result of the effort everyone on our team continues to put forth. The competition is still close and we must not rest on the success we are having thus far. 

Echoing the words you've heard from Col. Chris Nowland many times, energy conservation is about much more than the $1.5 million we stand to win - it is our responsibility to serve this country as good stewards of its resources. With that in mind, I know I can count on your renewed support as we change our habit patterns across base. I have directed commanders and facility managers to continually evaluate their offices for ways to save even more energy. Every single one of us has a very important role to play. 

I recently had a chance to hear Sharon Gill, the Resource Efficiency Manager for the 460th Space Wing, speak about energy conservation at the Women's History Month luncheon. She talked about the importance of Facility Manager involvement, the significance of turning off "vampire" devices that unnecessarily feed on energy all night, and the value of every individual in the fight for energy conservation. Things that seem insignificant -- turning off your computer monitor, speakers, printers, and the lights at the end of the day -- make a tremendous difference. 

Did you know there are over 2,700 monitors on base? Imagine what we can save if every single one of them is off every time it's not being used. In the Wing office, Linda Franklin suggested we disconnect some of the lights and use ambient light instead. We removed 50 of 92 lights across three rooms! The ingenuity, commitment, and vigilance of every Vance team member will keep us focused on good ideas and good habits. 

Finally, we have continued with energy savings during the spring months by directing a 45 day No Heat/No Cool period from April 6 to May 20. With the exception of the Youth Center, the Child Development Center, the Cherokee Lodge and the Temporary Living Facility, the temperature in the facilities on base will not be adjusted unless the outside air temperature goes below 45 degrees or above 90 degrees. 

Thank you again for the effort you have already put forth. Together our team can win this competition and accomplish an important part of our mission as we continue working to conserve energy.