MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Moody Airmen will have the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas before a panel of 23d Wing and community leaders during the base’s second annual Air Force’s Spark Tank competition, May 3, 2019, here.
A spin-off to the popular business venture show, Airmen will be able to present their ideas that will cost-effectively modernize the mission and drive innovation starting at the squadron level and up.
“(Spark Tank) encourages our personnel to think outside the box and not worry about their ideas being stopped at their level of leadership due to a lack of money or resources,” said Master Sgt. Jennifer Smith, 23rd Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor. “It gives our younger Airmen a voice and the ability to think on a broader perspective. Just because we’ve been doing something for so long doesn’t mean that there’s not a better way to do it.”
Innovation serves to better the future, that according to Smith, Spark Tank offers endless possibilities from the Airmen’s future-oriented focus to keep the Air Force the most innovative force.
“It’s all about giving Airmen back time, finding new ways to do business better, faster, easier,” Smith said. “It could be a simulator that assists with training so personnel don’t have to go TDY or a tool that helps an aircraft crew chief be more efficient. It helps to get us doing something better, be it more efficient or effective, and setting the pace for others to follow.”
Since last year, Moody has been able to capitalize on the Spark Tank ideas, showing that if an Airman has a dream that can benefit the Air Force, Moody can make it happen.
“Last year the wing funded $675K in ideas from tractor trailer simulators, a grief support initiative for parents who have lost a child, an automated prescription center and safety lights for the Moody running trail,” Smith said.
Even if someone has an idea that only effects Moody, Smith went on to say how they should still submit their ideas.
“Don’t be afraid, all entries will be looked at by a panel and the finalists will be able to present their idea to the commander and a panel of judges at this year’s Spark Tank event,” Smith said.
Through it all, this event can serve as a way to inspire the ingenuity of Airmen, to give them the chance to have their ideas be realized, to give the Air Force a brighter tomorrow.
“We want Spark Tank to show that we, not only as Flying Tigers, but the Air Force as a whole, care about the innovations of our Airmen,” said Col. Justin DeMarco, 23d Wing vice commander. “We want to give them this opportunity to have their best and brightest ideas heard. Sometimes, innovative ideas from Airmen at the Wing level can ignite a process change for the entire Air Force that makes us more combat effective. One of our Wing Commander’s priorities is to prepare for tomorrow. Spark Tank allows our Airmen to make direct contributions to that priority by helping to keep our Air Force on the cutting edge and ensuring we remain the most dominant fighting force in the world.”
Anyone interested in submitting their Spark Tank idea may send it directly to 23wg.moodyafb.sparktank@us.af.mil, along with a PowerPoint, video or multimedia presentation, with the deadline being March 28th.