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Group commander hands over the keys, saves bucks

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Thornbury
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The 22nd Mission Support Group commander at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, turned in the keys to his government vehicle to save the Air Force money, May 10, 2016.

Air Force Logistics Headquarters is pushing for initiatives to make cuts to save money, and Col. Matthew Benivegna, 22nd MSG commander, took the first step.

"[Col. Benivegna] is the first group commander to give up his vehicle," said 2nd Lt. Raika Clark, 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle management flight commander. "He understands the amazing savings it could bring the Air Force."

Each vehicle has a seven-year lease and costs approximately $160-a-month, costing $14,000 overall, which doesn't include the cost of routine service required to keep the car running.

"If all group commanders on base gave up their cars, that's about $54,000 saved," said Clark. "This is innovation. That $54,000 can be put toward something else more important--like manpower--and that's just at McConnell."

Group commanders have been required to have staff vehicles since the Air Force was established, a practice that most likely carried over when the Air Force separated from the Army, said Timmy Hiser, 22nd LRS vehicle management superintendent.

"This one group commander giving up his vehicle could spark something with the other commanders," said Clark.  "Think what this could mean for the Air Force if everyone turned their keys in."