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Enviromental, Safety and Operational Health Symposium heald in St. Louis

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andrew Davis
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  More than 1,000 Airmen, Air Force civilians and personnel from other government agencies from all over the world convened in St. Louis for the annual Environmental, Safety and Operational Health Symposium March 9-13. 

Started in 1993, the symposium features more than 500 separate classes tailored to the needs of various Air Force Specialty Codes as well as generalized classes to help Airmen gain a broader perspective on the ever changing environmental, safety and health issues in the Air Force. 

"The symposium was originally started for Air Combat Command personnel," said Brig. Gen. Tim Byers, symposium director. "But has expanded to train Airmen and civilians from five MAJCOMS, in one venue, on environmental, safety and occupational health issues around the Air Force." 

Set up like a university, the symposium encourages students to sign up for AFSC specific classes tailored to their individual jobs and also provides the opportunity for students to branch out and take classes to intersperse their knowledge to personnel from varying career fields. 

"One of the best benefits of the symposium is to bring in personnel from different commands and look at the things they do differently," said General Byers. "To me this is the best way to learn and share ideas among peers. Walking around at the symposium you will hear people sharing ideas during the breaks, in the exhibition halls, all day long."
Airmen from all over the Air Force took part in the symposium and offered up their knowledge and skills to other students. 

Tech. Sgt. Harry Tiffany from Beale AFB, Cailf, said, "I have gained a better understanding of the environment, how the Air Force and my shop affect the environment. The networking between my peers has helped me gain a better understanding about the need to protect the environment and minimize the impact we put on it." 

At a cost of approximately $230 per student opposed to $12,000 to 13,000 per student if it was taught at each individual base or even MAJCOM, the symposium was praised highly for its resourcefulness. 

Professionals from U.S. government agencies and commercial industry taught an array of varying subjects in environmental compliance, natural and cultural resource management, restoration, remediation, pollution prevention, environmental analysis and planning, environmental law, public relations, occupational safety and health. 

During the symposium guest speakers discussed topics that directly influenced the nation's environmental, safety and occupational health programs and answered many questions attendees may have previously had. 

In addition, many of the world's top environmental businesses were on hand to exhibit recent products and discuss the latest trends, innovations and technologies.

Airman 1st Class Benjamin Burke contributed to this article