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Team Fairchild's commitment to Tree City USA

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nick J. Daniello
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Earth Day is held annually April 22, and serves as a day to demonstrate support for environmental protection. The Air Force's overarching Earth Day theme is "Conserve Today, Secure Tomorrow." This year the Air Force is highlighting its commitment to "cleaner, greener installations," with emphasis on energy and water conservation.

Earth Day began 46 years ago and in turn planted the idea of environmental protection. "We continue to lead with groundbreaking ideas and by the power of our example," as cited by the Earth Day Network. The movement's goal is to plant approximately 7.8 billion trees for the Earth worldwide and Team Fairchild is assisting where it can by planting trees and hosting events to educate the local community on the importance of being environmentally aware.

"Fairchild has been holding Earth Day events for around 10 years," said Diane Wulf, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron pollution prevention program manager. "It teaches kids about what they can do to protect the environment  by not littering, turning the lights off when a room isn't being used, not letting the water run while brushing their teeth and  learning what items get recycled to reduce the amount of trash we generate."

According to Wulf, Earth Day was springboarded by people who wanted to make a difference and protect the environment. Their efforts eventually led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and many regulations and programs that were instituted to protect the environment.

"Our region is very environmentally conscious. Even the 1974 World's Fair Expo that was held in Spokane had its focus on the environment to spread awareness," Wulf said, in reference to the "1974 Spokane Expo; A world's fair for the environment."

In addition to Earth Day, the base also celebrated Arbor Day by planting four trees. This is the 22nd time the base has celebrated Arbor Day and has been recognized as a "Tree City USA."

"The Air Force, Air Mobility Command and the 92nd Air Refueling Wing are firmly committed to improving the environment and making our communities better places to live," said Col. Brian McDaniel, 92nd ARW commander. "It's very fitting we celebrate the tradition of Arbor Day and continue to demonstrate our commitment to the 'Tree City USA' program by planting these trees today."

For more information on Earth Day please visit http://www.afcec.af.mil/news/earthday/.