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Team Shaw gives back to Wateree

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kathleen Brown, 609th Air Communications Squadron cyber system operator, rakes up leaves during the ninth annual Beautify Wateree event at Wateree Recreation Area near Camden, S.C., March 25, 2017. The event provided an opportunity for Team Shaw members to take ownership of the campgrounds and clear them of debris after the winter season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney)

Team Shaw gives back to Wateree

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Christina Tinsley, 20th Force Support Squadron (FSS) superintendent, left, and 2nd Lt. Steven Prentice, 20th FSS food services officer, right, scoop debris into a bag during the ninth annual Beautify Wateree event at Wateree Recreation Area near Camden, S.C., March 25, 2017. In around three hours, volunteers removed approximately 2,500 pounds of debris from the area, allowing Wateree staff to focus on taking care of the cabins. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney)

Team Shaw gives back to Wateree

Curt Marshall, 20th Force Support Squadron (FSS) Wateree Recreation Area manager, gives a safety brief at Wateree Recreation Area near Camden, S.C., March 25, 2017. During the ninth annual Beautify Wateree event, volunteers saved the 20th FSS around $20,000 by helping to clean up winter debris. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney)

Team Shaw gives back to Wateree

Published March 28, 2017
By Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Team Shaw members participated in the ninth annual Beautify Wateree at the 20th Force Support Squadron Wateree Recreation Area near Camden, South Carolina, March 25.

The volunteers cleaned up 10 acres of the recreation area, saving the 20th FSS approximately $20,000 and allowing the Wateree staff to focus on maintaining the amenities of the campground.

“We’re doing so many things with the cabins — we have the upkeep, general maintenance and repairs,” said Curt Marshall, 20th FSS Wateree Recreation Area manager. “If I were to stop doing everything else and my staff and I only raked, bagged and hauled (landscaping debris), we’d never get the cabins taken care of. This helps us take care of everything else.”

The saved funds will go back into the 20th FSS to support morale-related agencies such as Wateree, Outdoor Recreation and the Shaw Lanes Bowling Center.

During the event, 93 volunteers raked and bagged for over three hours, resulting in approximately 2,500 pounds of winter debris removed.

For some Team Shaw members, it was their first time visiting Wateree and an opportunity for them to learn about the services offered.

Volunteers participated in the event for a variety of reasons, some wanting to meet new friends and others to give back to their wing.

“I feel great,” said Airman 1st Class Steffen Cutillas, 20th Force Support Squadron evaluations personnel specialist. “I’m just happy to help the community, the people and to give back,”

Wateree Recreation Area provides a place for Defense Department members, retirees and their families to relax and rejuvenate before getting back to the grind. Visitors can rent cabins, partake in various activities or take part in special events.

For more information or to reserve cabins, call 803-432-7976.