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Grissom celebrates Arbor Day

  • Published
  • By Douglas Hays
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERE BASE, Ind., --  With a few turns of shovels, Airmen planted new life on base.

Grissom members gathered near the main flag pole to plant a Yoshino cherry tree to celebrate Arbor Day on April 24.

"We are dedicated to the environment at Grissom," said Cory Walters, 434th Civil Engineer Squadron biological scientist. "In the last decade or so we've planted more than 1,600 trees."

Because of that dedication, Grissom has been designated as a "Tree City" by the National Arbor Day Foundation for 14 consecutive years.

Col. Scott Russell, 434th Mission Support Group commander, addressed the crowd and spearheaded the event and outlined the requirements for being selected by the foundation.

To be designated as a "Tree City," Russell explained that a community must have a public tree care ordinance, a department that manages the care of the tree, a tree board to advice on the care of the trees, an Arbor Day celebration and spend at least $2 per person on tree maintenance and upkeep.

Grissom is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135 unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, as well as three Army Reserve units. Airmen, Soldiers and Marines routinely deploy from Grissom around the world in support of the Department of Defense mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer