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Feed the Dragon: 412th TW unveils next step in innovation campaign

  • Published
  • By Kenji Thuloweit
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

The 116 Day Innovation Blitz is complete and it’s time for the next leg of Team Edwards’ innovation journey.

Brig. Gen. E. John Teichert, 412th Test Wing commander, toured the base Jan. 15 where he discussed with several units the next step in the wing’s innovation campaign.

He began the tour at the test wing headquarters building where he showed his “Manifesto for Innovation” video and introduced the Innovation Culture Wall to dozens of attendees. The wall features thought-provoking illustrations with messages such as, “We must not hide behind rules and regulations” and “’No’ is just an excuse.”

Teichert said the groundwork has been laid and now it is time for action.

“For the last 116 days we’ve gone through our innovation blitz,” said Teichert. “That was a period to develop a culture to help us till and fertilize the ground of innovation and now we’re taking the next step, which is activating to get ideas going and energize our force so any Airman, at any time, can feel comfortable raising their hand with ideas of ways to do things better.”

The general and his 412th Test Wing Hustle Squad Innovation Team also introduced a new mascot for Edwards AFB’s innovation campaign — Eddie the Dragon. The dragon is hungry for ideas, according to the innovation team.

People can now submit their ideas to the U.S. Air Force Ideation Platform. There, they can login and find “Eddie’s Big Quest for Innovation,” which is one of several Air Force innovation campaigns listed. Once on Eddie’s page, they can submit a new idea. Visitors can also vote their approval for an idea. Submissions will filter back to the Hustle Squad for action.

Teichert said the wing has funds set aside to carry out those ideas that can improve things, whatever they may be.

“No idea is too big and no idea is too small,” said Crystal Linhardt, Hustle Squad member.

To submit innovative ideas and feed Eddie the Dragon, visit the U.S. Air Force Ideation Platform at https://usaf.ideascalegov.com/.

Check out these tutorial videos from AFWERX, the Air Force's lead on innovation.

“What is the USAF Ideation Platform”

“Search, Subscribe, and Email ideas”

“How to Submit an Idea”

 For info purposes:  AFWERX USAF YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1B5dVYEgCDIjXVlEDiN0QQ

 

Slide show

Feed the Dragon: 412th TW unveils next step in innovation campaign

  • Published
  • By Kenji Thuloweit
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

The 116 Day Innovation Blitz is complete and it’s time for the next leg of Team Edwards’ innovation journey.

Brig. Gen. E. John Teichert, 412th Test Wing commander, toured the base Jan. 15 where he discussed with several units the next step in the wing’s innovation campaign.

He began the tour at the test wing headquarters building where he showed his “Manifesto for Innovation” video and introduced the Innovation Culture Wall to dozens of attendees. The wall features thought-provoking illustrations with messages such as, “We must not hide behind rules and regulations” and “’No’ is just an excuse.”

Teichert said the groundwork has been laid and now it is time for action.

“For the last 116 days we’ve gone through our innovation blitz,” said Teichert. “That was a period to develop a culture to help us till and fertilize the ground of innovation and now we’re taking the next step, which is activating to get ideas going and energize our force so any Airman, at any time, can feel comfortable raising their hand with ideas of ways to do things better.”

The general and his 412th Test Wing Hustle Squad Innovation Team also introduced a new mascot for Edwards AFB’s innovation campaign — Eddie the Dragon. The dragon is hungry for ideas, according to the innovation team.

People can now submit their ideas to the U.S. Air Force Ideation Platform. There, they can login and find “Eddie’s Big Quest for Innovation,” which is one of several Air Force innovation campaigns listed. Once on Eddie’s page, they can submit a new idea. Visitors can also vote their approval for an idea. Submissions will filter back to the Hustle Squad for action.

Teichert said the wing has funds set aside to carry out those ideas that can improve things, whatever they may be.

“No idea is too big and no idea is too small,” said Crystal Linhardt, Hustle Squad member.

To submit innovative ideas and feed Eddie the Dragon, visit the U.S. Air Force Ideation Platform at https://usaf.ideascalegov.com/.

Check out these tutorial videos from AFWERX, the Air Force's lead on innovation.

“What is the USAF Ideation Platform”

“Search, Subscribe, and Email ideas”

“How to Submit an Idea”

 For info purposes:  AFWERX USAF YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1B5dVYEgCDIjXVlEDiN0QQ

 

Edwards provides care, opportunities for children aged six weeks through high school graduation

Edwards provides care, opportunities for childrenaged six weeks through high school graduation

The Child and Youth Program at Edwards AFB provides care and opportunities for kids ages six weeks old through high school graduation. A brief summary of those services follows:

  •                    The Child Development Center cares for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with a DOD-wide curriculum. The curriculum is focused on learning through play activities supporting social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Installations across DOD follow the curriculum on the same timeline to allow seamless permanent change-of-station transitions for youth enrolled in care.
  •                    The School Age Center provides before and after-school care and summer camp for children ages 5 to 12. During school breaks, full-day camps are offered. SAC promotes cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, language and physical development through programs that encourage self-confidence, curiosity, self-discipline and resiliency.
  •                    The open recreation program at the Main Youth Center provides a safe space for ages 9 to 12 to attend after school. Programs include Power Hour, STEM, Torch Club, social recreation, youth camps, special events and more.
  •                    The youth sports program provides intro and league opportunities for ages 3 to 12, and promotes inclusiveness, self-discipline, commitment, resiliency and social skills. There are four sports offered annually for ages five to 12: baseball/softball, soccer, flag football and basketball. Smart start programs are available to ages 3 to 5. There are many other sports and camps offered throughout the year.
  •                    The Teen Center is available for ages 13 to 18 during the school year. Programs offered include Military Youth of the Year, Keystone Club, social recreation, STEM activities, college trips, leadership camps and more.
  •                    Youth programs (SAC, open rec and teen) are affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 4-H.
  •                    Family Child Care homes – there are currently three FCC homes on the installation. They can provide care for ages two weeks to 12 years. FCC providers are trained by Child and Youth Program training and curriculum specialists and have the flexibility to determine their hours of operation and the ages of youth within their care. The program’s new dedicated manager, Jennifer Stegmann, may be reached at 661-275-7529.

Although CDC enrollment capacity is 317, not all slots are currently filled because of a shortage of childcare workers. School Age Center enrollment capacity is 156. After-school care enrollment is 130. Before-school care enrollment is 75. Summer Camp 2022 was at its capacity and enrollment for Summer Camp 2023 opens April 3.