CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Airmen from the 27th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron and Curry County volunteers pooled their efforts April 25 to capture the Golden Dumpster award in this years' Great American Cleanup.
The two organizations collected 934 bags of trash during the Saturday morning event. The second-place silver dumpster was awarded to the 27th Special Operations Medical Group and the 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron
A total of 337 volunteers, of which 235 were Cannon Airmen and family members, participated in the annual event to give the community a thorough spring cleaning. Many were attired in fluorescent-green shirts with the words "Toss No Mas" emblazoned on the front.
According to Rob Carter, Clovis Parks and Recreation director, 1,829 bags of trash weighing more than 129 tons were collected over the weekend.
"The event went well and Cannon's support was instrumental in its success," said Mr. Carter.
Most participants gathered at 5th and Sycamore in Clovis at 8 a.m., and fueled with donuts, coffee and bottled water, listened to the obligatory safety briefing before getting under way. Airmen from the 27 SOMDG and 27 SOFSS got a head start on the cleanup effort as met, then moved out from Cannon, bags in hand, onto Highway 60/84, the main artery that runs by the base and through town.
While Cannon Airmen were the majority of the volunteers, their numbers included family members. The event became a family affair for some as parents walked alongside their children, cleaning the roadside.
"We have been stationed at Cannon for three-and-a-half years and picking up garbage to do our part helps keep Clovis clean," said Master Sgt. Amy Bengry, 27th Special Operations Wing Honor Guard superintendent. She and her daughter, Taylor, walked side-by-side picking up trash.
"We try to get out every year to support this event, but try and do our part all year long to ensure that Clovis stays clean," she added.
Most of the garbage consisted of paper and plastic, but there were interesting items found as well. Staff Sgt. Jayar Dela Cruz, 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron, found a toilet seat next to the highway. Tech Sgt. Evelyn Padron, 27 SOMDG, put what appeared to be the remains of a Jedi sword into a garbage bag and said that her group found clothes, shoes and even a cell phone.
The Great American Cleanup is the nation's largest community improvement program, according to its Web site. It takes place annually from March through May and involves an estimated 2.8 million volunteers. In 2008 volunteers improved more than 17,000 communities in all 50 states.
The cleanup effort is conducted twice a year said Mr. Carter, and the next event, dubbed "Trek for Trash," is scheduled for September.