Airmen keep Germany clean

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Larissa Greatwood
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Volunteers came together to beautify the surrounding areas of Ramstein by cleaning up trash May 20.

These efforts are one of many ways Team Ramstein assists in ensuring Ramstein and its surrounding areas stay in top shape.
This particular event was planned by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Top 3 organization. Volunteers covered a total of 3.5 miles surrounding the base.

Master Sgt. Edwin Colon, USAFE Inspector General command intelligence inspector, said it’s important to keep the environment clean, especially when being hosted in another country.

“Cleaning outside the base — the West, East and LVIS gates — shows the local community that we do care and are ensuring we keep the environment clean,” Colon said. “The plan is to continue having this event twice a year.”

With approximately 30 volunteers, the Airmen took time out of their day to come together and preserve as much of the natural German environment as possible.

“I think events like this help make the Air Force look better as a whole, and it’s a great opportunity to show the whole Airman concept,” said Airman 1st Class Jaquavious Standifer, 86th Comptroller Squadron budget technician. “In Germany, they like to keep things clean. It’s important for us to do our part while we’re here.”

Colon said this event is the epitome of ensuring facility excellence.

“We represent the Air Force in this country, so we want to represent it in the right way by ensuring we’re taking care of the areas (we occupy),” Colon said.

To volunteer for future opportunities like this one or for more information, contact USAFE Top 3 at hq.top3@us.af.mil.