Garrison CSM recognizes Net Zero champions

By Susan C. Galentine (Fort Carson)May 14, 2015

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Three Joint Task Force Carson Soldiers were recognized as Net Zero champions by Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Clinton Reiss during the Spring Facility Energy Training event hosted by the Directorate of Public Works (DPW) May 6, 2015, at The Hub.

The Net Zero champions selected for their energy, water and waste efforts as facility managers were Maj. Andrea M. Peters, group engineer, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne); Spc. Misty Smith, Group Support Battalion, 10th SFG(A); and Pfc. Andrew Koon, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

More than 100 civilian and military facility managers attended the training to learn about seasonal energy policy changes, DPW energy-efficiency initiatives, facility manager responsibilities, single-stream recycling efforts and to recognize Fort Carson facility manager Net Zero champions.

"Facility managers serve a key role in helping Fort Carson cut utility-related costs, while maintaining quality buildings for Soldiers and civilians," said Mark Hunsicker, DPW Operations and Maintenance Division chief. "Our Net Zero champion recognition is a way to thank (them) for their hard work within their assigned buildings."

Peters proactively uses her position as the group engineer to work closely with DPW to maintain quality buildings for 10th SFG(A) Soldiers. She assisted in ensuring facility managers are assigned for each of the unit's buildings and meet on a regular basis, developed a 10th SFG(A)-specific recycle policy and implementation presentation to assist the group with its recycling efforts and promoted energy conservation efforts for the unit.

Smith volunteered to become a facility manager for five GSB, 10th SFG(A), buildings and also assists other facility managers with their responsibilities. Once on board as a facility manager in early 2014, Smith tackled an ongoing issue with roof leaks in her assigned buildings and worked their repair through the DPW operations and maintenance contractor. She has a positive "can-do" attitude about reinforcing Command Energy Policy requirements in her assigned buildings and promotes recycling with the support of her Soldiers through the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program.

Koon, who serves as a 1st SBCT facility manager for a battalion headquarters building, a company operations facility, a medical station and six barracks buildings, distinguished himself during the 1st SBCT Organizational Inspection Program Dec. 8-9. With a week to prepare, Koon worked hard to enforce the Command Energy Policy and Recycle Policy requirements prior to the inspection, including preparing posters informing individuals to shut off computers and peripherals when not in use, promoting recycling and creating a detailed facility manager book and a signed battalion recycle policy letter.

Call DPW at 719-526-4320 for more information about the Facility Manager Program and Net Zero efforts.