Airmen assist in clean-up, local schools open without delay

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Veronica McMahon
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Team Tyndall members have recently put forth a major effort in cleaning up two local schools; Margaret K. Lewis and Oscar Patterson.

Due to the plethora of volunteers, both schools were able to open in time for the students to attend the first day, as scheduled.

"I was a little worried about the last minute request; however the next day when I went to the school we had a good showing for the first day," said Master Sgt. Walter Fortenberry, 325th Air Control Squadron first sergeant. "At first glance I didn't think it was possible for the school to open on time. There was stuff everywhere and the grounds needed serious attention."

However, more than 60 volunteers from Tyndall helped assist with the clean-up of the Margaret K. Lewis school for special needs children. The cleaning-up included assistance with unpacking and moving many miscellaneous school items, mowing the lawn and trimming and picking up the grounds. The school opened Aug. 24 without delay.


An overwhelming number of volunteers also showed up to help clean up the Oscar Patterson school.

"We had 82 volunteers," said Master Sgt. Holly Gaddy, 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. "We did everything from cutting down trees, landscaping, pressure washing and painting. We did a lot of everything."

Bay County recently shut down four schools, forcing these mass movements and combinations of schools, said Sergeant Fortenberry. The executive director of operational services was literally in tears and said there was no way either school would have opened if not for Team Tyndall.


In appreciation of their efforts, volunteers and leadership from Tyndall attended a Bay County District School Board meeting Sept. 9 to be recognized for their hard work and abundance of volunteers.


Colonel Michael Fleck, 325th Mission Support Group commander, made a few comments in gratitude of the recognition.

"We are paying attention to schools downtown because that is where our kids also go to school," said Colonel Fleck. "This is what team Tyndall is all about and we are really happy to be here. Every day (the schools) do fabulous things for our kids."

Representatives from both schools were presented lithographs from Team Tyndall members, and once again Tyndall members were able to give back to the community.