Beautifying Dover Air Force Base one day at a time ... starting today

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Nicole Langley
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  What's one way to instill pride in ownership and help present Dover Air Force Base with a professional appearance for visitors and newcomers?

How about an official day designated as "Dover Base Cleanup?"

That's just what today is.

"It is a one-day event to remind organizations that they have a part in keeping the base looking professional," said 2nd Lt. Dave Stringer, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Today, each organization is responsible for cleaning up 50 feet from the outer walls of their facilities, or to the curb line where the black asphalt meets the gutter, whichever is the greatest distance, said Lieutenant Stringer.

Participating in Dover Base Cleanup is mandatory for all active-duty and Reserve personnel and will be accomplished during each unit's regular work schedule for the day. Civilian employees cannot be tasked to perform clean-up duties, but can volunteer, if they would like.

Primary tasks that need to be accomplished include trimming bushes, removing tree saplings, weeds and dead bushes from flower beds, and eradicating grass in sidewalk cracks.

Organizations can go further with tree trimming and dressing up flower beds, if they desire, added Lieutenant Stringer. He reminded that if personnel trim trees, they aren't expected to trim any higher than arm's reach, with feet planted on stable ground.

"We are in a big money crunch and in an effort to help reduce the spending we, as a collective wing, will perform routine ground maintenance around our respective facilities on this day," said Tech. Sgt. Raymond Blanding, 436th Mission Support Group. "The grounds contractor is only responsible for certain areas of the base and if additional areas were added it would cost an additional $33 an hour."

Weed eaters will be supplied and issued to each group's coordinator, and additional CE vehicles will be roaming the base with additional gas, string and saws. Each unit is responsible for providing its own protective gear, rakes, shovels, gloves, trash bags, water, cups, hedge trimmers and brooms.

As Team Dover strives to beautify the base today and on a continual basis, Lieutenant Stringer reminds everyone to work hard, safely and have fun, along with learning to treat your facility as if it was your own yard.