Altus AFB celebrates Earth Day

Photo By Senior Airman Klynne Pearl Serrano | The base Cub Scouts, Pack 212 buries the roots of an Oklahoma Redbud tree at the Wings of Freedom Park, April 20, 2012, in honor of Earth Day. The scouts also had the opportunity to speak with Lt. Col. Yvonne S. Spencer, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, about the importance of tree planting and conserving energy and resources.  

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, OK, UNITED STATES

04.20.2012

Story by Airman Klynne Pearl Serrano 

97th Air Mobility Wing

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In celebration of Earth Day, the 97th Civil Engineering Squadron planted Oklahoma's state tree, the Redbud, at the Wings of Freedom Park on base April 20, 2012.

"Trees help eliminate carbon in the air ... by planting more trees, the better off we are on the planet," said Senior Master Sgt. Dean Zoet, 97th CES environmental superintendent.

The 97th CES also coordinated with the 97th Force Support Squadron, and the base Commissary to host an Earth Day run at the Fitness Center April 18.

The Earth Day run consisted of a 5k and 10k run, said Lena Moreau, 97th Force Support Squadron fitness and sports assistant manager. Free T-shirts, fruit and water were also provided for the runners.

"The commissary donated the fruit and water and the 97th CES provided the T-shirts and trophies," Moreau said.

The base library also helped to raise awareness about Earth Day.

"We handed out neat leaflets at the base library with tips on how to conserve energy,” Zoet said.

“There are many ways to conserve energy”, Zoet said. Little things like taking shorter showers, carpooling, and buying food locally can help conserve energy and resources.

"The more we conserve and reduce energy, the better off we are on this planet," Zoet said.

For more information on Earth Day, visit www.earthday.org/2012.

• Date Taken: 04.20.2012
• Date Posted: 05.03.2012 11:54
• Story ID: 87800
• Location: ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, OK, US