Airmen support monthly clean-up around local community

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andrea Salazar
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MIZUHO TOWN, Japan --  Volunteers from Yokota met up for the monthly Mizuho, Japan Clean-up hosted by the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron on Oct. 11, 2012.

Every month, about 11 volunteers from around base help the local community by picking up bottles, cans, cigarette butts and other assorted garbage along the walkways, roads and parking lots of Mizuho.

"It's not often I get to volunteer with the community, but I saw an e-mail sent out through the Yokota's First Four and decided to sign up," said Senior Airman Jacob Saceda, 374th Maintenance Squadron Aerospace Ground Equipment journeyman. "It felt rewarding to help out and hear 'arigato,' from a few Japanese locals as we were passing by."

Airmen involved in the event continue to support, keeping the streets of Mizuho clean and free of debris. The clean-up efforts largely serve as a way to get Airmen into the community and meet their neighbors, putting a face to the Airmen of Yokota.

After cleaning up, volunteers head over to the local recycling plant to sort out the collected trash. Since 2005, the 374 LRS has supported the monthly Mizuho Clean-up project with over 800 military members, collecting nearly 4,000 pounds of trash each year.

"The Mizuho cleanup is an excellent way for Yokota to partner with our local neighbors and make a positive impact on the environment," said Master Sgt. Scott Hunkins, 374th LRS Fuels Operations section chief. "We are also showing a presence to the motorists that drive by and hopefully make them think twice before throwing their garbage out along the roadway."