Pentagon officials join Air Force bases for '40 trees in 40 communities' tree planting

by Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

4/22/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- In honor of Earth's Day's 40th anniversary, Pentagon officials kicked off "40 Trees in 40 Communities," joining 39 current and former Air Force bases across the nation in tree planting ceremonies symbolizing the service's commitment to environmental protection.

Among event spectators was Air Force Undersecretary Erin Conaton and delivering remarks were Debra Tune, thr principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics, and Lt. Col. Jeffrey Gillen, the force health protection policy director.

"Trees are being planted from Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii to the former Loring AFB in Maine," Mrs. Tune said. "We usually associate the Air Force with passion for flying, visualizing the grace and speed of aircraft streaking through the clouds as we accomplish our mission, but the Air Force has shown equal passion for protecting our environment."

Office of the Secretary of the Defense officials announced the Air Force won four of nine environmental awards in natural resource conservation, environmental restoration and environmental excellence in weapon system acquisition.

She also noted the Air Force's commitment to reducing reliance on foreign oil by lowering demand, increasing supply and changing the energy culture and mindset of Airmen.

As such, Environment Protection Agency officials continues to recognize the Air Force for being the largest purchaser of "green" energy in the federal government, reducing the impact of the service's electricity consumption.

In addition to electricity conservation, the Air Force recently marked the historic first flight of an A-10 Thunderbolt II fueled by a 50/50 blend of alternative fuel and JP-8 at Eglin AFB, Fla.

Mrs. Tune also said Air Force officials continue to take care of its Airmen by providing enhanced green space and recreational areas for families who live on installations.

During the Pentagon ceremony, attendees planted a Valley Forge American elm, a historically significant species to the building's center courtyard.

"Trees are the largest and longest living organisms on earth," Colonel Gillen said. "Some of the trees planted in our "40 Trees in 40 Communities" initiative may live into the next century, seeing several decades of Earth Days to come."

Simple commitments such as planting a tree can advance the Air Force's culture to take environmental stewardship action today for a greener generation tomorrow, he said.