TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Team Tyndall and various organizations joined forces to clean the NCO Beach Sept. 16, 2017.
The 32nd Annual International Coastal Cleanup, hosted by the 325th Civil Engineer Squadron, resulted in nearly 2,000 pounds of trash being removed from the Tyndall coastline.
“I started working for Tyndall in June 2015, and this year marked the third time I have organized the event,” said Jason Lockwood, 325th CES environmental engineer. “The event has grown each year, and I see it as any garbage removed from the beach, whether a bottle or boat, makes for a successful event.”
More than 70 volunteers converged on the beach to lend a hand and help in beautifying the environment. Numerous organizations and groups, to include: Boy and Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Society of American Military Engineers, local businesses, and many other squadrons throughout Tyndall, spent their early Saturday hours to ensure the mainstay of the Tyndall NCO Beach remained in immaculate condition.
“During this year’s cleanup, we were able to remove just shy of a ton of garbage from our beach in under four hours. That is almost 30 pounds of garbage a person!” Lockwood added.
“We were out here doing a beach cleanup. We do it every year to help out the environment and keep the beaches looking nice,” said James Tew, International Coastal Cleanup volunteer. “The goal is to keep it pristine and having an untouched look. This will also help the local wildlife.
“I encourage Airmen to get out here and get involved,” he added. “Most people are here only a few years being active duty, so get out and get involved. If not, this tour isn’t going to be a lot of fun for you. The more you can get involved helping the base and the local community, the better. Events like this get you outside for some exercise, play in the water, and walk around on the beach. It’s a great, fun time.”
In addition to cleaning the environment, there was also an opportunity to impart a sense of stewardship in the youth.
“This year, we actually had more kids than any year I have ever been involved, which is great,” Lockwood said. “It sends a great message to these kids that both individually and together they can all make a difference in their community. More importantly, I hope they learned that their actions impact the world around them.”
Lockwood closed with a special thanks to those involved.
“Big thanks to everyone for another successful Tyndall Air Force Base beach cleanup,” he said. “Hundreds of thousands of people turned out all over the world to clean up their local beaches and waterways and we were a big part. Without each of your contributions this would not be possible. Although this cleanup is only one day, it is an integral piece to the overall solution of keeping our beaches and waterways truly the world’s most beautiful.”