Sharon Burke, Class of 1988

Not many people get to create a new office in the Pentagon, but that you did as the first assistant secretary of defense for operational energy plans and programs. The department each year had been burning ninety million barrels of oil—draining resources, straining delivery systems, and increasing soldier vulnerability. It is tough to turn a ship as large as the U.S. military, but that you also did. After winning commander buy-in, you helped introduce such innovations as better-insulated tents and shelters, along with more efficient micro-grids. Hybrid solar generators have led to less oil consumption, less dependence on resupply, and less noise detectable by the enemy. Millions of gallons of fuel are now conserved each year just by improving how the military routes, loads, and flies big-cargo aircraft. The department now invests billions of dollars each year on research toward developments such as hydroelectric drives for ships; engine-efficiency improvements for aircraft, vehicles, and ships; aircraft-body improvements via winglets and micro-vanes; and even batteries produced in the shape of body armor. These changes by the country’s largest energy consumer are, on a Titanic scale, saving money; saving lives; and, through their growing civilian applications, advancing the global battle against climate change.

In recognition of your distinguished achievement in military energy conservation, Williams College is proud to honor you with its Bicentennial Medal.

September 17, 2016