Win big with FOD

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nathan Gallahan
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
RAF LAKENHEATH, England --  If an Airman picks something up off the flight line, they could win big.

The 48th Fighter Wing Foreign Object Damage Monitor, Tech. Sgt. Randy Simon, manages four programs aimed to raise FOD awareness and award those who have helped the wing prevent damage to an aircraft, or even save a life.

Foreign object damage is anything that could potentially be sucked into an aircraft engine or otherwise cause harm to the aircraft.

Foreign object damage has cost the wing approximately $152,631 in repair costs this fiscal year, said Tech. Sgt. Simon. The goal of the FOD program is to raise awareness of the dangers of FOD and prevent all related mishaps.

According to an unofficial survey conducted at the base exchange Thursday, 10 out of 10 Airmen said they care about preventing FOD and saving lives, but also feel it's important to understand the programs geared to raising awareness ... and how to win free goodies through the FOD Prevention Incentive Program.

So here it is:

The Golden Bolt Finder Program
What it is: Find the Golden Bolt on the flight line and win A, B, C, D and E. (See list of goodies at the bottom.)
How often: The bolt is hidden once a month.
Where it is: It's a secret. Airmen have to keep a close eye everywhere on the flight line to find it.
How to win: If someone picks it up, Tech. Sgt. Simon will be there to congratulate them.
Applicable to: Everyone on base.

The FOD Poster of the Month Award
What it is: Draw or create a nice 8.5 x 11 inch poster promoting a strong FOD prevention message and they could win A, B, C, D and E.
How to win: Submit to Tech. Sgt. Simon, submissions will be voted on by the FOD Prevention Committee.
Special Note: If someone puts a plane on it, they should make sure it depicts a 48th Fighter Wing aircraft.
Applicable to: All personnel assigned here.

The FOD Professional of the Month Award
What it is: Supervisors may nominate Airmen, through their unit's FOD monitors, who have demonstrated exceptional FOD awareness and contributions to the FOD prevention programs. Winners get A, B, C, D and E.
How to win: Do something "FOD-tastic" then brag to a supervisor about it.
Applicable to: Everyone on base. It helps to work on the flight line.

The FOD Professional of the Quarter Award
What it is: Same as for the month, supervisors may nominate Airmen, but they compete against the monthly winners also. Winners get A, B, C, D, F, G and H. Plaque presented by wing vice commander.
How to win: Same as for the month.
Applicable to: Same as for the month.

List of goodies
Item A: Letter of Appreciation
Item B: Certificate of Appreciation
* Item C: Two free meal coupons from the Army Air Force Exchange Service
* Item D: Two free movie passes from AAFES
Item E: One-day pass
Item F: Three-day pass
* Item G: $25.00 gift certificate from AAFES
Item H: FOD Professional of the Quarter Plaque

* Subject to availability.
(Award information compiled from Lakenheath Instruction 21-129.)