Tyndall fences built by local STARS

Markeis Goodman, Bay High School student, holds a fence while it is tightened July 28, at a Tyndall cemetery. He along with three other students from Bay District Schools have constructed around 1,100 feet of fence around Tyndall’s cemeteries to protect and preserve the grave sites on base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alex Echols)

Tyndall fences built by local STARS

Markeis Goodman, Bay High School student, helps build a fence July 28, at a Tyndall cemetery. He along with three other students from Bay District Schools have constructed around 1,100 feet of fence around Tyndall’s cemeteries to protect and preserve the grave sites on base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alex Echols)

Tyndall fences built by local STARS

Published July 29, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Alex Echols
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Within the past month, four students from Bay District Schools have constructed around 1,100 feet of fence around Tyndall's cemeteries to protect and preserve the grave sites on base.

"It's something that really needed to be done," said Benjamin Aubuchon, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron cultural resources program coordinator. "We have nine historic cemeteries, and most of them have no fence or one that is in really bad shape. So, it is really important that we get these fences up to help protect these cemeteries."

The students are members of the Striving Toward Achieving Real Success program, a Bay District School system program that teaches students hands-on skills while improving the community through construction and cleanup projects.

"This is my first time doing anything like this, and it is really helping me," said Markeis Goodman, Bay High School student and STARS member. "When we started, I didn't know how to build any of this stuff, but now I know how to do all of it."

The STARS program has been working with Tyndall for several years building everything from bridges to gazebos. This partnership is another instance of Tyndall and the community working together and helping each other.

"It's a win-win situation," said Kenny McGill, Gulf Coast work force. "Tyndall gets help with projects around base, and these kids get work experience. Tyndall supplies the material, and we supply the labor."