Two miles, 20 medics and a thousand pounds of trash

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anna L. Broadbent
  • 75th Medical Support Squadron
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  On the morning of June 18, 20 members of the 75th Medical Group gathered on Interstate 84 to help make miles 90.3 to 92.3 litter-free. The Adopt-a-Highway is a program where a group "adopts" a two mile section of highway for two years to make it look better than how they found it. Participants don't receive money for their efforts, but do receive a sign of recognition on their section of the highway and the satisfaction of knowing they are supporting the surrounding communities that support the base and the Air Force every day.

"Whenever the medical group's combat medics have the opportunity to give back to the community, we try to take full advantage of it," said Master Sgt. Roberta Chaves.

Before getting out on the road and getting dirty, the combat medics took some time over breakfast and to discuss the game plan for the clean-up effort. To make things fun, the medics made it a sort of scavenger hunt by having small prizes for those who found the oldest item and the one most unique. The medics found a lot of old and interesting items; so, deciding who received the prizes was quite a challenge.

The oldest item found was a 1968 nickel picked up by Airman 1st Class Katherine Exparza and the most unique item was a "bizarre" DVD found by Master Sgt. Gary Guzman.

"Between an animal skeleton completely preserved by the elements, and a couple rattle snakes, it made for quite an interesting morning," said Staff Sgt. Michael Miller.

The event was a huge success as the medics were able to collect 25 bags of trash weighing approximately 1,000 pounds in a matter of two hours. By doing this task just three times a year, the medics are building unit camaraderie, cohesiveness between Team Hill and the local community, and making the environment a greener place.