Civil engineers defend the nation, one can at a time Published May 3, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Planting a tree may not seem as patriotic as raising the flag each day, nor does recycling a soda can seem as important to the nation's defense as a new fighter jet, but appearances can be deceiving. One group of Grissom men and women are patriotically defending the nation one tree and soda can at a time as they take care of the environment Grissom reservists train on each day. Cory Walters, biological scientist, along with other members of the 434th Civil Engineer Squadron, monitor and protect the base's environment through a variety of programs including air, water, cultural and natural resources, restoration, recycling, and pollution prevention. "Our job is to make sure the troops can train effectively, because you can't train in a harmful environment," said Mr. Walters. "If we don't take care of this place, it won't be around for us to use to train our troops." Perhaps the biggest program the environmental office here supports is the recycling program. In 2010, the base recycled more than 174 tons of material including 91 tons of scrap metal, 48 tons of cardboard, 29 tons of paper and 2 tons of used tires. "We also recycled alkaline batteries, lead-acid batteries, toner cartridges and electronic storage media such as CDs and DVDs," stated Mr. Walters, who added part of what has made the recycling program so successful is that base personnel not only recycle waste from on base, but are encouraged to bring in items from their homes to recycle. It's definitely an added benefit," said Mr. Walters. "A lot of people don't have a place to recycle or don't have recycling pickup where they live, so it gives them a place to recycle and in return it helps the base recycling program." The recycling program alone netted almost $23,000 last year, which is used to support the recycling program by buying new equipment, supplies and promotional items, he explained. The second biggest set of environmental programs the civil engineers manage concern air and water. The majority of these programs are monitoring based as environmental engineers examine various shops around base and determine the impact the base has on the environment. They work with various federal and state regulatory agencies to keep the base operating in compliance with their regulations, explained Mr. Walters. He added the base is always looking for innovative ways to help protect the environment and limit the bases' impact. "We're always looking to protect the environment either through developing new processes, buying recycled material, or using less harmful chemicals," he said. Perhaps the most visible aspect of the environmental office can be seen in the numerous trees that have been planted around base. In fact, it's so significant that the base has been named as a "Tree City" by the National Arbor Day Foundation ten years in a row. But, it's not just trees and wildlife the engineers are concerned with as exhibited in the base's cultural and natural resources program. Currently, the civil engineers monitor more than 2.8 acres of wetlands located on Grissom. This area is a protected habitat for many native animal and plant species. And while all these programs are good for the environment and allow Grissom to be a good neighbor to the communities surrounding the base, the main focus is always on national defense and mission success, explained Mr. Walters. "I'm proud when our [troops] get to go out and do their training in a safe environment," he said when asked what he thought was the most important part of his job. "You're helping them protect our country and protecting the environment so future Airmen can train successfully." The 434th CES is part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, which is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
