Wing recognizes civilian for energy-saving suggestion Published March 25, 2015 By John Scaggs 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- A cash-saving proposal in turn netted a civilian worker her own coin. Col. Carolyn Patrick, 88th Air Base Wing vice commander, visited Shelly Larson during her organization's all-call meeting March 20 where Patrick presented Larson with a wing coin. The presentation symbolized the wing thanking Larson, whose suggestion to analyze lighting at base gates is generating energy savings for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Larson's suggestion arose after she noticed lights remained on after normal duty hours at gates in Area B which are not 24-hour gates. "Since Wright-Patterson AFB is always looking for ways to save money, I thought there might be potential energy savings if we didn't have lights on at every gate 24/7," said Larson. She is the deputy, Combat Rescue Helicopter Division. The division is part of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and Special Operations Forces Directorate. Base officials have decided to turn off canopy and flood lights at Gate 1B during off-duty hours. Civil engineers estimate energy savings of $2,900 annually. Patrick stated during the all-call that Larson is an example of how motivated Airmen can make a lasting contribution and added that Larson's idea could result in additional savings. "We continue to weigh safety factors and other variables for our remaining gates not in use 24/7," Patrick said. "But this demonstrates how our work force can make a difference. With the budget challenges the Air Force faces today, we have to watch how we spend every dollar and truly believe that every dollar counts."