Spring season is spring clean-up at Edwards

  • Published
  • By Robert Baldwin and Meg Larsen
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Winter is finally over and spring has arrived officially as of March 21.

Not unlike the same things we do at home every year such as clearing the winter weather debris blown into our yards; removing dead plants and weeds; here at Edwards we have an official event known as the annual Spring Clean-Up Week.

Col. Greg Schwab, Edwards AFB Installation Commander, has announced that April 30 through May 4 is Edwards AFB Spring Clean-Up Week.

"We're asking for the support of all base personnel. The accumulation of trash is not only an eye sore but it is also hazardous to our health, and increases the potential of a fire hazard," said Schwab. "Our strong Antelope Valley winds create a large accumulation of trash, brush and other debris, so it is important that each of us takes the time to do our part in cleaning up the areas where we live and work. This ensures Edwards AFB not only looks great, but stays that way."

In gearing up for Spring Clean-Up Week, the Edwards Safety Office reminds on-base personnel that general safety and the well being of participants be taken into account.

"Before you get out there, it is highly encouraged that you dress appropriately by wearing a long-sleeved shirt, steel-toed boots, a hat, gloves and eye protection," said Mr. Jim Judkins, Edwards AFB Base Civil Engineer. "We are also in the desert and it can become very hot, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and always watch for desert critters such as snakes, spiders, etc."

As part of compliance with base standards, facility managers are encouraged to use this week for general interior and exterior housekeeping and to perform self-improvement projects, such as painting or landscaping.

Facility Managers should contact the 95th Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Division Logistics Section Self-Help Center (Bldg. 3500) at 277-2938 to make arrangements to obtain self-help materials. The Self-Help Center hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. If facility managers require bulk-waste collection for large item disposal, they should contact the 95th Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Division Customer Service Section at 277-3330 to schedule collection.

For those residents who live in base housing and wanted to participate as part of the week-long clean-up effort, James Hart, 95th CE Military Family Housing contract program manager, said that equipment and supplies to assist in home and gardening chores could be acquired through the Military Housing U-Fix-It Store. Such items available are rakes, weed cutters, grass seed, brooms, hedge trimmers, tree branch cutters, etc.

"Residents are highly encouraged to take advantage of the services provided there," said Donna Burkholder, 95th CE Contract Services Specialist. "Additionally, household hazardous materials such as paint, household chemicals and gas cans can be dropped off at the U-Fix-It Store for reuse. All household batteries may be turned in as well."

For more information, contact the U-Fix-It Store at 258-4461. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Housing residents are also reminded that recyclable items and green waste must be placed in the appropriate containers. If housing occupants place trash or garbage in plastic bags or boxes, please remember the 50-pound weight limit. Along with your regularly scheduled bulk pick-up, an extra bulk pick-up will be provided to all housing residents; contact the Base Landfill office in Bldg. 7990 for more information at 277-DUMP. Metal items can be taken to the Recycling Center at the Base Landfill. Antifreeze can be turned in at the Auto Hobby Shop (building 2440). Motor oil can be turned in at the AAFES Gas Station (building 2110). Tires can be turned in at either the Auto Hobby Shop or AAFES Gas Station for a minimal disposal fee.

Spring cleaning is a great time get rid of your documents that you do not need anymore, but remember do not throw then in the trash, shred them. While cleaning out old files, remember to shred them. Do not let anyone have access to your personal and professional files. Remember the old saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure?" To keep this from affecting you, shred all of your personal and professional documents.

Team Edwards members can turn in usable items for reuse to Airman's Attic, Thrift Store, Base Supply, and the Recycling Center.

Have you noticed a lot filled with an abundance of trash and debris and want to make a contributive effort to help clean it up?

During Spring Clean-Up Week, Edwards AFB also incorporates its active Adopt-A-Lot Program which seeks volunteers who are willing and able to invest their time and effort to help clean up unimproved areas of the base.

"The program is a joint effort between military, civilian, and private groups located all throughout the Edwards AFB community," said Tom Allen, Adopt-A-Lot coordinator. "The program is of a voluntary basis and is open to any and all groups currently having business or utilizing the base."

The requirement for sponsoring a lot takes an organizational commitment and the willingness and desire to keep it free from unwanted trash and debris. Several lots are still available for adoption. Cleaning the area is a great group activity which boosts not only morale, but it also provides an improved base appearance as well as a feeling of pride within, knowing that you have helped make the base a better place to live and work. There are a few requirements that must be adhered to within the base's Adopt-A-Lot Program. You must be motivated, ready, willing, and able to donate your time and a few resources to help pick up trash and debris from an assigned lot. Performing a drive-by of the lot once per week and picking up trash or debris as needed is generally a good idea. You could also schedule a few volunteers once a month to perform a walk-through of the lot to upkeep the appearance along with maintaining community pride; however, you can schedule time and volunteers to perform clean-up at least twice per year, once for this year's annual Spring Clean-Up Week and once at or around the fall season. As a reminder, during a Team Edwards scheduled VIP visit, it is highly encouraged that volunteers check their lots in order to promote a positive image of the base. The Adopt-A-Lot Program requires a two-year commitment, a point of contact, and a contact telephone number for organizational participation. Contact the Base Civil Engineer Division's Operation's Support Office at 277-8335 for any questions you may have regarding the Adopt-A-Lot Program and how you can enroll as a sponsor.

Whether it is picking up trash on the road, cutting the weeds in your backyard, or clearing the debris from your sponsored lot, there is no better time of getting it done than Spring Clean-Up Week! You are not only bettering the community for a cleaner, safer, healthier, and hazardous-free environment, but you are also instilling a sense of pride within self and within the community as well as boosting morale for all those involved. It is also about having fun while getting it done. Together, with your help and participation, we can all make this base a better place to live and work.

Together we can all make Edwards AFB a cleaner and safer working environment.