33d MOS charges through recycling contest

  • Published
  • By Jerron Barnett
  • Eglin Environmental Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 33d Fighter Wing is well known for its air-to-air combat superiority, now one of its squadrons could be known as Eglin's 'superior recyclers' after the 33d Maintenance Operations Squadron 'Chargers' were recently crowned first place in the annual America Recycles Day aluminum can recycling contest.

Since 2005, the Eglin Recycling Center has sponsored this 52-day long contest in observance of America Recycles Day (Nov. 15), a national campaign to increase recycling and recycling awareness across the nation. Winners were determined by total weight of cans collected divided by the number of personnel in the organization who participated.

Twenty-three participants from the 33d MOS gathered up 377 total pounds of cans (16.39 pounds of cans/person) to win the first place prize of $500. The 46th Weather Squadron won second place with 19 participants and 173 total pounds of cans (9.11 pounds of cans/person; $300); the 96th Security Forces Squadron came in third with 24 participants and 218 total pounds of cans (9.08 pounds of cans/person; $200).

In all, there were 17 participating organizations in this year's contest, an increase from last year's total of 13 participating organizations. This year, these organizations collected a total of 1,715 pounds of cans, more than doubling last year's total of 728 pounds, much to the delight of 96 Air Base Wing Commander, Col. Eric Pohland, who presented the checks to the winning organizations.

"Those numbers are absolutely outstanding," Col. Pohland said to the winners during the award presentation. "It shows that you all have taken the message to recycle more to heart."

Col. Pohland added how impressed he has been with the environmental stewardship Eglin as a whole has demonstrated, led by the Eglin Environmental Management Division.

Staff Sgt. Andrew Gamache, a quality assurance inspector in the 33d Maintenance Group, led the effort put on by the 33d MOS.

"My unit was very happy to win the contest," Sergeant Gamache said. "We all felt good that we were able to participate in America Recycles Day and at the same time help our unit with funds for their families' holiday party. Although most were extremely excited just about recycling, (winning) the funds were an added bonus."

Due to the increased participation levels this year and to give organizations more time to collect cans, Mr. Michael Vannoy, Eglin's recycling program manager, plans to increase the standard length of the contest to 90 days next year. The contest typically runs from the end of September to Nov. 15.