Team Hill civilian saves the AF millions in first year

  • Published
  • By Nathan Simmons
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  A civilian here had an idea - actually, three ideas - that not only garnered him an Air Force Productivity Excellence Award and $30,000 in reward money, but saved the Air Force $6.5 million in just the first year.

Terrence Rettenberger, an equipment specialist with the 416th Supply Management Squadron on base, designed and developed new tools and revamped the maintenance process for the antennas on the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Rettenberger began masterminding his ideas for maintenance procedures for the antennas, which are used to locate enemy targets and aircraft that the pilot can't see with his or her own eyes, in 2007. The culmination of his more than three years of innovation not only saved the Air Force money, but has helped the aircraft's overall antenna reliability and performance.

"We all need to continue to work together to improve all we can to support the war fighter. Not only is it going to be some money in your pocket, but it's what's best for the Air Force," he said.

"The key is not to work harder, but smarter - then everyone wins," he added.

Rettenberger submitted his ideas through the Air Force's IDEA program.

"The IDEA program is an excellent way to reward employees who suggest ideas that create a more efficient way forward for the Air Force," said Teri Gibby, Hill's IDEA program manager.

The IDEA program provides a monetary award - 15 percent of the documented savings for each idea outside of the submitter's normal job responsibilities, with a $10,000 limit. $200 is awarded for ideas with no tangible savings.

The Air Force Productivity Excellence Award recognizes Airmen, Air Force civilians and small groups of four or less who have made substantial improvements in quality and productivity, and resulted in savings of at least $1 million.