Operation: Ditch clean-up

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Megan M. Tracy
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  On Jan. 22 the sun was high in the sky, temperature hovered around 60 degrees and a slight breeze rustled through the trees.

Looking out across the base, one would think it was spring rather than the middle of winter. On this unseasonably warm, sunny day more than 400 Airmen left behind their daily jobs and came together to clean the ravine that runs along the perimeter fence line by the East Gate.

The Airmen gathered at 8:30 a.m. with opening remarks from 2d Bomb Wing Commander Col. Steven L. Basham, before starting the three-hour operation.

"We organized an event like this because the base needs to be cleaned," said Colonel Basham. "Many times we're spending way too much money to have stuff like this done. Our Airmen are excited to come out here today. We can actually work as a team, take care of this much quicker and save the taxpayers some dollars."

The clean-up crew was broken down into teams, given trash bags and set out across the ditch to gather as much trash as they could find. Most of the Airmen volunteered their time and effort to help clean up the base.

"I've noticed the trash out here a lot and it's kind of bothered me to look around and see all the trash in the ditch," said volunteer Airman 1st Class Collin Bates, 2d Communications Squadron. "The fact that we're doing something about it makes me feel really good."

The terrain was wet and muddy due to recent rain and trying to make their way across the creek proved tricky for most of the volunteers. People driving by witnessed the volunteers slipping and sliding as they were trying to pick up the trash, but they enjoyed the camaraderie and laughed at the amount of mud they gathered.

Most of the trash was along the banks of the creek, but a select few Airmen faced their fear of crocodiles and snakes by taking to the water to clean-up. With 2d Mission Support Group Commander Col. Rob Huber as their leader, they set out to get the trash that was just out of reach--with the help of a rowboat.

"There are certain areas we couldn't get to safely from land," Colonel Huber said. "We got this boat from outdoor recreation so we could get out and get the trash that's in the water."

The types of trash varied from everyday Styrofoam cups to mattresses, large home appliances and even a rusted old car. There was enough furniture and home appliances found along the ditch to furnish a one-bedroom apartment. Altogether, the Airmen collected and bagged more than 85 tons of trash.

"It just shows how great the Air Force works together," said volunteer Airman 1st Class Jansen Clark, 2d Operations Group. "It also shows how we as Airmen can come together in times of need."

As the effort winded down, Colonel Basham overlooked the area of responsibility and had only one thing to say.

"This truly is a team effort," he said. "We've got folks from all parts of the base that are helping do this. We can't do it alone, it takes a whole family, and this is one fantastic family."

This event gave 2d BW Airmen a chance to get out of their comfort zone, meet others from around base and combine efforts to help improve the place they live and work.