Defenders organize installation clean up

  • Published
  • By Mark Herlihy
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Hanscom defenders participated in a beautification cleanup project here May 13.

Senior Airman Carlos Howard, 66th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, initiated the volunteer effort after noticing extra trash while on patrol.

“With National Police Week approaching, it seemed like a perfect community project for members of our squadron,” said Howard, who routinely picks up trash while patrolling the installation with his MWD, Kalo II.

Howard led a group of 35 volunteers who collected trash near buildings along Barksdale Street, from the dorms to the Main Exchange.

Airmen and family members collected approximately 35 bags and nearly 300 pounds of trash.

“We had a great turnout because we have motivated Airmen and family members willing to make a difference in their community,” said Howard.

Base officials normally hold a formal base-wide spring cleanup, but did not this year because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“I appreciate our defenders leading this cleanup effort while so many members of the workforce worked from home to limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Col. Chad Ellsworth, installation commander.