October is Energy Awareness Month Published Oct. 6, 2010 By Bekah Clark 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- In May, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz addressed an audience of more than 500 at the U.S. Air Force Energy Forum to emphasize the importance of integrating energy efficiency and conservation into all aspects of the Air Force mission. Five months later, Scott Air Force Base is continuing to heed that emphasis to bring awareness to the Scott community about the importance of conserving energy. "Energy efficiency might have an awareness month, but it's not something we should concern ourselves with for only a few weeks a year--it must be an ongoing initiative," said Col. Michael Hornitschek, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander. "Being energy efficient enables us to be a more environmentally-friendly force as well as be even better stewards of taxpayer money." While speaking at the forum, General Schwartz said, "All Airmen--in operations, maintenance and mission support ... from the flightline, to the hangar, to the military personnel flight--must further realize the critical link between energy and our ability to continue making needed contributions to the joint team." We must all share a sense of urgency, particularly in light of flattening budgets, decreasing purchasing power, and rising costs in operations, maintenance, sustainment, personnel and yes, in energy as well." Being energy efficient is something everyone can be involved in. Whether it's turning off the lights when leaving a room, walking to a meeting instead of driving or wearing a sweater or fleece instead of using a space heater, these little things combined can have a big impact.