IDEA program yields prize of $10,000 for D-M Airman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melissa Copeland
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  An original approach to the way overhauled combustion frames are shipped to D-M from depot departments garnered a jet engine mechanic a $10,000 prize by means of the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness (IDEA) Program . Tech. Sgt. Julie Jewett of the 355th Component Maintenance Squadron submitted her design via the IDEA program in February of 2007 after receiving numerous combustion frames with costly shipping damage. Re-work was necessary to categorize the frames as serviceable.

"I was very excited," said Sergeant Jewett. "I didn't think the idea was going to be rewarded with any monetary award, but was very surprised when I was notified of the approval notice and monetary value."

Sergeant Jewett's idea of creating a more sturdy and durable shipping container for the frames will save the Air Force about $41,000 per engine and an overall $200,000 during the first year of implementation.

"I was in the position of a supply liaison at the time; I found that there were several combustion frames arriving with damage," she said. "This caused the frames to be shipped back to depot for repair and to be sent out once again to the customer. I did a little research and came up with an idea of why we can't repackage the frames to prevent the damage. After I did the research, I was instructed by a co-worker at the time, why don't you submit the idea. I wasn't sure about the idea or results, but inputted the idea into the system."

The IDEA program serves as an incentive program that promotes process improvement and/or resource savings. Finding a better way may involve streamlining a process, saving purchase costs, improving morale or enhancing safety.

"It's the Air Force's way of soliciting ideas to save time, money and lives," said Staff Sgt. Ian Reeves, 355th Mission Support Squadron base IDEA program manager.

All active duty Air Force, civilian, and contract employees are encouraged to share their ideas. For more information about the IDEA program, call Sergeant Reeves at 228-4332 or email 355 MSS/MOF-Idea.