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Shaw Airmen help 'Put U in Sumter'

  • Published
  • By Kimberly Champagne
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  More than 600 Shaw Airmen and civilian employees spruced up their local community Feb. 16 as part of the "Putting the 'U' in Sumter" campaign.

Volunteers planted trees and shrubs, power washed historic buildings, landscaped flower beds, raked leaves, picked up trash, and repaired buildings and other structures at local parks and five fire stations in and around the city of Sumter.

"This is a great opportunity to give back to our community," said Col. Bill Hyatt, 20th Fighter Wing commander, at the event's opening. "We may be from all parts of the nation, but while we are here, Sumter is our hometown."

During his opening remarks, Sumter Mayor Joseph McElveen said he was overhelmed by the number of people who volunteered.

"Your community is grateful for your efforts today. When I think of the men and women like you who go in harm's way and risk your lives and then you are willing to make sacrifices no matter where you are to make things better," Mayor McElveen said. "You set an example for us. It tells us we need to do more for you. It truly shows that no matter where you are you make a difference."

Some participants got a chance to use their carpentry skills. The 20th Comptroller Squadron repaired a gezebo at a downtown park. 

"It was nice to rebuild things that have been neglected. I've never seen an effort on such a large scale," said Lt. Col. Nicholas Johnston, 20th CPTS commander. More than half of his squadron participated in the event. 

Some volunteers said they would like to this to become an annual event. 

"I see this as giving back to the community. It's a great place to live and work," said Senior Master Sgt. Jerry Ray, 28th Operational Weather Squadron weather forecaster. 

Others just turned out to participate. 

"I don't live in Sumter, but I work at Shaw. Today has a family feeling and I wanted to be a part of it," said Airman First Class Shatayne Acevedo, 28th OWS weather forecaster.