SecAF, VCSAF outline top priority in memo to Airmen Published May 16, 2014 WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- In a memo sent to Airmen across the service today, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Larry Spencer challenged Airmen to take responsibility for creating cost saving initiatives within their areas of expertise. The memo reemphasizes one of James’ top priorities since taking office in December, and continues Spencer’s focus to ensure Airmen are all in, all the time to “Make Every Dollar Count.” Giving teeth to this cultural initiative to stretch every dollar, James and Spencer remind Airmen to utilize the Airmen Powered by Innovation idea program and Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century offices to make their voices heard. There are consequences of this fiscal climate that cannot change, they said, but Airmen must do their best to improve the things they can and be good stewards of taxpayer money. “We're committed to being a good value for the taxpayer, making every dollar that we spend count,” James said. Making every dollar count is not limited to new ideas for cutting costs, but also ensuring responsible stewardship of current funds through improved acquisition and audit procedures in this current fiscal environment. “Our Airmen are the finest in the world and care about making sure our Air Force remains the best in the world,” Spencer said. “We owe it to them to make sure their ideas are heard.” To submit to the Airmen Powered by Innovation idea program, common access card users should click here, or Airmen can contact their local Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century office. To read the SecAFs memo to Airmen click here. (Information courtesy of Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs)