Seeking Energy-Efficient Solutions for Military Operations

Alan Samuels is being recognized as a Champion of Change for his work advancing new ideas that are leading the way to a clean energy future and an economy that’s built to last.

I am humbled to be recognized as a White House Champion of Change on behalf of a dedicated community within the Department of Defense, whose focus is to improve our efficiencies in expeditionary energy. The logistics associated with transporting military power to remote areas across the globe are extraordinary and can lend themselves to inefficiencies, and therefore present an excellent opportunity for the Army and joint research and development communities. During my recent deployment to Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, I had the opportunity to study our operational energy practices and technology and to learn where we can improve our power generation and usage techniques, training and material to make our forces effective across the full range of military operations -- from combat missions in Afghanistan, to humanitarian assistance/disaster relief missions anywhere in the world. History, and my own experience at the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command’s (RDECOM) Chemical-Biological center, shows that once the military develops these methods and technologies they transfer to the public and even more uses are found for them. 

2012 Citizens Medal: Open for Nominations

For more than 40 years, the Presidential Citizens Medal has recognized Americans who have "performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens." On Monday, the President invited you, the American public, to nominate everyday heroes for one of our nation’s highest civilian honors.

Who is your hero? Who has gone above and beyond, performing extraordinary deeds of service? Help us recognize the exemplary citizen from your community -- and bring them the public attention they deserve by nominating them for this year’s medal.

Here is an inspiring example of a hero honored last year:

Painting a New Picture of DC

Kristina Bilonick. (Photo Courtesy of Hello Giggles)

Washington, DC is particularly famous for its political history and role as the capital of the United States. Ask anyone what they picture when they hear “DC” and the White House, the monuments, and memorials are likely responses. And while some may mention museums like the Museum of National History or the Air and Space Museum, DC is not widely known for its art. That doesn’t mean, however, that our nation’s capital isn’t filled with vibrant art and passionate art enthusiasts. The President himself has been a vocal supporter of art and art education. In one corner of the capital, a woman looking to reinvigorate the city is helping share the President’s vision and emphasizing the artistic side of DC.

This week’s “Women Working to Do Good” details Kristina Bilonick, a DC local working to build a thriving art scene in the capital one block at a time. The author writes,