Goodfellow helps Keep San Angelo Beautiful Published May 7, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Anne Gathua 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Gray, clouded skies Saturday morning did not stop the people of San Angelo from showing up in large numbers at the San Angelo Coliseum car park for the final Keep San Angelo Beautiful event, part of the Great American Cleanup. Vehicles, mostly trucks, were all lined up way before time ready to dispose off their trash in a bid to keep San Angelo clean. The Great American Cleanup is the nation's largest community improvement program. "The long-term aim of this event is to have community residents take the responsibility of keeping the environment clean and to help those who can't do it themselves," said Tom Nurre, the outgoing chairperson of the KSAB board. "We recover a lot of things from the trash. Plastic, paper, batteries, old tires, metal, brush and trees are all collected for recycle or reuse." Marine Capt. Henry Billings, Marine Corps Detachment Commanding Officer and the Goodfellow Air Force Base KSAB liaison, said the base had 77 volunteers at the event. "GAFB leads the way," said Mr. Nurre. "They always provide 99 percent of the volunteers that do the hard work. They do an outstanding job in fostering leadership by example. They are citizen soldiers and take part in community activities as if they were born there." Each year the KSAB nominates volunteers to the Keep Texas Beautiful board to recognize their hard work. In the four out of five years since the inception of KSAB, Goodfellow has won 1st place in the Texas level, Mr. Nurre said. "I believe in this program," said Captain Billings. "As a leader on base, it is important to instill the importance of community service to servicemembers. The lesson to learn is that no matter where they are that is their community. They should always take ownership and not be outsiders. They should always get involved." Marine Staff Sgt. Tim Muckey-Quizado said the San Angelo community loves the military and this translates back to the base. "People at GAFB are always willing to volunteer to give back to the community and to be good citizens," said Staff Sgt. Muckey-Quizado. "I encourage it because it builds leadership, encourages interaction and develops a common bond." Marine Gunnery Sgt. Karinna Muckey-Quizado said events like this help clean up the community and help the less fortunate. "I'm glad we get an opportunity to do this," said Gunnery Sgt. Muckey-Quizado. "It's another way of protecting people's lives by keeping the environment clean." James Flores, the KSAB city liaison, said San Angelo had many civic-minded folks who were willing to give their time and effort to support the green cause. "It can't hurt to give up a weekend to help out," said Airman John McCurley, who was one of the volunteers. "We should all be willing to help the community we are living in." Airman Jackson Bailey, another volunteer, said helping people in need was a rewarding experience. "I feel good about helping people," said Airman Bailey. "That's why I'm training to be a fireman." Mr. Nurre said the event focuses on recycling and through a survey that KSAB conducts, the community is very positive and says that these events make a difference and help keep San Angelo clean. "The event would not be possible without the many sponsors and volunteers that support it," said Mr. Nurre. "San Angelo is unique. The community has a great volunteer spirit and a healthy attitude about life. I have never seen people volunteer as graciously as they do. We are here to get them in the habit of keeping their environment clean. If people want to live in a safe environment they have to keep it clean."
