Ellsworth celebrates Earth Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Airmen from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron Resource Efficiency Office hosted events in conjunction with Earth Day at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum, May 1.

Airmen, their families, civilians and children from a number of schools across the Black Hills attended to learn how to protect their environment and conserve water and electricity - all the while enjoying hot dogs and hamburgers prepared by volunteers.

"The focus of the annual event's theme this year is increasing awareness and support for environmental protection and water conservation," said Aaron Fielder, 28th CES resource efficiency manager. "We invited everyone here today to help promote the importance of environmental stewardship."

Fielder said the Air Force takes Earth Day seriously, and as a result, Ellsworth's priorities include saving money by educating Airmen, family members and civilians on how to conserve water and energy.

During the event, Fielder interacted with the children - engaging them in surveys and questions designed to make them think about their actions, and what impact they might have on their surroundings.

Matthew Long, Children's House Montessori director, brought more than 25 students from the CHM to the festivities in an effort to make a positive impact on their lives.

"We've done a lot with our kids - from cleaning and picking up trash around the community to planting trees," Long emphasized. "After Ellsworth told us they were holding this event at the museum, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to bring the kids out to learn a thing or two from experts."

At the end of the day, the children toured the historical halls of the SDASM and were given free, energy- efficient light bulbs.

"It was nice to have everyone join us on this special day," Fielder added. "I wanted these kids to leave the museum with some useful tips and information. That way when their parents ask them what they learned today, they can respond with something special."