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Shaw Airmen clean up Swan Lake, Sumter parks

  • Published
  • By U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jensen Stidham
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C.- --  The Team Shaw 5/6, a professional military organization, led a Swan Lake and Iris Gardens, and Sumter parks clean-up event in Sumter, S.C., April 29.


The clean-up was held not only to beautify Swan Lake and areas around Sumter, but to build positive relationships with the Sumter community.


Approximately 50 Airmen attended the cleanup, taking time out of their work days and personal time to help make Sumter a cleaner place.


“Getting out in the community helps promote ties between the base and the community,” said Tech Sgt. Dwain Burton, 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance non commission officer. “It feels great, and it’s great to put in some work here in the community.”

Throughout the day, Airmen spread pine straw in the Swan Lake and Iris Gardens flower beds and picked up trash in nearby parks.

“We’ve had each other’s backs for so many years,” said Tech Sgt. Meoisha Bines, 20th LRS vehicle fleet manager. “The community has given back to us and we’ve given back to them. It shows the respect that we have. We want to take care of the City of Sumter as well as they have taken care of Shaw Air Force Base.”

The Team Shaw synergy volunteer program plans to continue their efforts quarterly in order to build a strong relationship with the community and improve the quality of life for all residents.

“I care about the community and I love putting on the uniform everyday, so I care about having that positive impact and positive relationship with the City of Sumter,” said Bines. “I am overjoyed that everybody came out.”