JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
To commemorate Earth Day, five members from Joint Base Andrews worked together with local community volunteers, to clean up the Fort Foote site, along the Potomac River in Fort Washington, Md., April 16, 2016.
The first Earth Day took place in 1970 and is held annually to raise public awareness about pollution. The day, marked on April 22, is recognized worldwide with a variety of environmental activities.
During the clean up, the group filled approximately ten 30-gallon bags of garbage, most of which were recyclables, and a child's bicycle.
"The unreserved willingness of the Airmen to tackle the terrain and access the trash was certainly appreciated," said Tim Murphy, Alice Ferguson Foundation trash initiative coordinator.
Murphy assisted the clean up by donating bags and gloves for the volunteers to use. He has been involved with prior community clean-ups and was pleased to see the Air Force members work so hard to help make the Potomac litter-free.
"The geography of the river at that point lends to a great deal of trash that may have not been gotten to had they not had the same spirit as they did," Murphy said.
The combined efforts of JBA and the local community met the goal of making a positive impact on the environment at the Fort Foote section of the Potomac River.
"I felt really good about volunteering for the clean-up," said Michelle Kasunic, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron environmental engineer. "It's important to show that the Air Force cares about the surrounding community and the environment around our bases."