363rd TRS student epitomizes C3 ideals with money-saving idea

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  After putting a suggestion down on paper about how the 82nd Medical Group could recycle crutches at the base Trainee Health Clinic, an Airman-in-Training at the 363rd Training Squadron has seen his idea turn into a new money-saving process.

Airman Carl Cox, currently in training as a munitions systems apprentice, dropped a hand-written note into an 82nd Training Wing commander's comment box to advocate the idea of reusing crutches that has the potential to save the Air Force $2,125 to $3,050 annually.

Cox cited the cost conscious culture and budget cuts as inspiration for finding a new way to effectively use existing resources.

"We're supposed to be saving money for the Air Force," Cox said. "Recycling and reusing materials are important."

Inspiration for the idea came while Cox was performing details at the base hospital.  He asked his supervisor why crutches that cost hundreds of dollars were being thrown away after just one use instead of being given back for further use. Cox thought that there should be a process that allowed for crutches to either be returned or reused for the Trainee Health Clinic.
 
"We could be saving the Air Force money by doing something as simple as recycling," Cox said.

Dennis Marquardt, Chief of Quality Services with the 82nd Medical Group, received the suggestion and immediately went about seeing how a more effective plan could be put into action.
 
"It was a good call to bring this to our attention," Marquardt said. "It's lets everyone know they have a voice and should be a springboard for others to follow."

Cox was satisfied about the fact that he was able to save the Air Force money by using a Commander's Call Box, and see his idea have an immediate impact on the bigger Air Force mission.
 
"I didn't really expect it," Cox said. "I was pretty happy."

Cox thinks that by saving money wherever he can, he helps the Air Force on a larger scale.

"Not being wasteful helps the Air Force accomplish its mission," Cox said.

Cox is slated to leave for Kadena Air Force Base, Japan, after graduation and plans to use recycling as a means to save money once he goes into his career field as well.

Marquardt believes coming up with more efficient ways to use resources can set the pace for even bigger savings.

"This shows that everything has a place and comes together for the Air Force and Department of Defense," Marquardt said.