Pride

Lt. Jonathan Paz, 45th Civil Engineer Squadron, gives the windows at the Housing Office a thorough cleaning during "Pride Day" held Feb. 1 held all around Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. In the background is Ed Bayba, 45th Space Wing Housing Manager. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Matthew Jurgens)

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Pride

Airmen from the 45th Medical Group police the area outside their place of work Feb. 1. "No one will take care of our own place better than we will," said Lt. Col. Edward Black, 45th Space Wing director of staff. "Getting out together and cleaning up as a unit creates cohesiveness." (U.S. Air Force Photo/Matthew Jurgens)

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Patrick Airmen, civilians beautify base

Published Feb. 5, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Erin Smith
45th Space Wing Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Members of the 45th Space Wing rolled up their sleeves and cleaned up the base as part of Wing Pride Day, Feb. 1.

All members of the base participated in the Wing Pride Day, which was a way to counteract budget cuts and instill unit cohesion.

"It's a camaraderie thing," said Senior Master Sgt. Omar Basnight, 45th Space Wing Inspector General superintendent. "I know we are here because of budget cuts, but it really is good to get out and work side-by-side with our leadership. It was a great day, and great for the wing."

During the clean-up, Airmen and civilians from around the base removed trash and debris, raked leaves, weeded flower beds around buildings and trimmed bushes and trees.
The work was physical, but the Airmen enjoyed the opportunity to get outside and work together.

"It's good to get out in the sun and see everyone," Airman 1st Class Scott Hazel, 45th Space Wing command post junior emergency access controller said, "Working in command post, we usually only talk to people if there is an emergency. It is good to see the faces of people you talk to on the phone and interact with them. It is a good bonding experience."

The day was a way for Airmen to look after their own, and take ownership of their base.

"No one will take care of our own place better than we will," said Lt. Col. Edward Black, 45th Space Wing director of staff. "Getting out together and cleaning up as a unit creates cohesiveness."