Commander calls for Team Robins to save energy Published June 25, 2008 By Kendahl Johnson 78th ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, Ga. -- A series of commander's calls June 18 served as a safety talk, energy conservation lesson and an introduction ceremony as Col. Warren Berry, 78th Air Base Wing commander addressed his workforce "My number one priority is energy conservation and I need your help," Colonel Berry said. "Everyone needs to make an effort to save energy." The colonel kicked off the calls by introducing the wing's new vice commander, Col. Debra Bean. "You have a Berry and a Bean in charge, so I guess you could say there are a bunch of fruits and vegetables running the show," the commander joked. Moving on to more serious matters, Colonel Berry discussed the need for the base to save energy. He said the base alone uses enough energy to power the entire residential population of Macon. "I need you to think about energy savings," Colonel Berry said. "We do not use energy efficiently. There is a lot of waste. It's an expensive commodity and we need to use it wisely." Robins is required to reduce its energy use 30 percent by the year 2015, a monumental task that will require the sincere efforts of each individual on base, Colonel Berry said. The commander next spoke about the body mass index reduction program. Military members will be asked to reduce their BMI to 30 or less. Those with a BMI greater than 30 will have 90 days to show progress, with progress measured as a reduction of two BMI points. The commander then turned some time over to Lt. Col. Jeff Schwoob, 78th ABW Safety Office chief, who discussed motorcycle safety. "With the increase in gas prices, we are seeing more motorcycle riders, so the risk of accidents is increasing," Colonel Schwoob said. "We need riders and drivers to exercise caution and be alert." Colonel Schwoob said Air Force-wide, an average of seven fatalites occur each year due to accidents involving motorcyclists. He emphasized the requirements for riding on base, including the need for Motorcycle Safety Foundation certification and the need for wearing the proper attire, including bright colors. Both Colonel Schwoob and Colonel Berry said there would be more random checks of motorcyclists to ensure compliance with Air Force regulations. Finally, time was spent discussing the base's "That Guy" campaign, an alcohol awareness campaign that uses humor and peer influence to make a point and drive that point home. "The point is to make responsible choices," Colonel Berry said. "We aren't telling you not to drink, but when you go out, make smart decisions."