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Sergeant's IDEA earns him money

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachel Martinez
  • McGuire Public Affairs
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  A McGuire staff sergeant earned $10,000 for submitting his idea to the Innovative Development through Em-ployees Awareness Program. 

Staff Sgt. David Marshall, 305th Maintenance Squadron avionics test station and component repair craftsman, identified a discrepancy between two technical orders and earned the $10,000 reward when he submitted his findings to the IDEA Program. 

The IDEA Program is an incentive program recognizing people for their ideas that benefit the government by streamlining processes or improving or increasing productivity and efficiency. 

“The program is designed to reward people for taking the time to make the Air Force better,” said Staff Sgt. Jay Cook, McGuire IDEA Program manager. 

While working on the C-17, Sergeant Marshall discovered that two of the TOs had conflicting information. The TO for the aircraft stated that the fluid purity controller could only be replaced in full, while the TO for the fluid purity controller stated that parts in the device could be replaced. By fixing the TOs, Air Force avionics technicians were given the authorization to perform more in-depth repairs as opposed to sending for a whole new part. By following the TO for the device, McChord Air Force Base, Wash., and Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., saved a total of $866,862,648.88 during an eight-month period. 

“With every new weapon system, in our case the C-17A, there are bound to be discrepancies or better ways of doing certain procedures,” said Sergeant Marshall. “I found one and capitalized on it.” 

After he first noticed the problem, Sergeant Marshall submitted an Air Force TO Form 22, Technical Manual Change Recommendation, to get the TOs changed so that they matched. His Form 22 was approved, deeming it a valid and good change. He then submitted his change to the IDEA Program for recognition. 

“I was proud that I was able to save our Air Force money now and in the future,” he said. “There are many ways to help improve our Air Force, why not help improve it and get a cash reward for doing so?” 

Col. Rick Martin, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, presented Sergeant Marshall with his $10,000 check June 7. This was the second time since taking command of the wing a year ago, that Colonel Martin has presented a troop with a $10,000 check from the IDEA Program. 

“Anyone of us has the same opportunity,” said Colonel Martin. “You just need to take a look around your work environment. There is always room for improvement. Not only will you benefit, but so will the Air Force.” 

Individuals, teams or groups can submit ideas through the IDEA Program Data System via the Internet at https://ideas.mont.disa.mil. This automated system can be accessed from any government computer.