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Army unit makes positive impact on local community

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Holly Brown
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Although Army personnel at Shaw make up a small percentage of the base population, they are making a large impact in the local community with their volunteer enthusiasm. 

The 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment, a 40-man unit here, is committed to a community outreach program with several projects geared towards their boots-on-the-ground mentality. The detachment is getting their hands dirty with community service in South Sumter Park, Fulton Park and on the Wateree passage of the Palmetto Trail. 

"The Sumter community is a fantastic, military-friendly town that supports its troops in many ways. It is appropriate for 4th BCD, as part of Team Shaw, to give back to the community," said Army Col. Kevin Felix, 4th BCD commander. "This is one of several ways that 4th BCD has set out to support not only the community, but the natural resources of the great Palmetto State as well." 

Army Maj. John Nathe, 4th BCD Community Outreach project officer, said he was directed to find worthwhile volunteer programs for the unit. He discovered a Sumter County Active Lifestyles advertisement, which led him to the adopt-a-park program. 

"It seemed to address the commander's guidance and fit a community need," Major Nathe said. 

"We just revitalized the adopt-a-park program, so they came at the right time and just hit the ground running," said Goliath Brunson, City of Sumter Parks and Gardens director. 
"Their presence and the work they do are encouraging to the citizens and community using the park. We're glad to have them" 

Recently, 21 members of the 4th BCD spent a day on the Palmetto Trail benching, moving building materials, trail pruning, moving garbage and other clean-up tasks. The most significant project was the construction of an information kiosk at the state park trailhead, Major Nathe said. 

"They're a huge help. The best thing about having the Army out on the trail is you tell them what to do and they just get it done--there's no micromanaging involved," said Wayne Argabright, Midland Trail coordinator. 

According to Major Nathe, their unit works each project quarterly. During the Feb. 15 clean-up at South Sumter Park, the unit cleared nearly 5,000 pounds of leaves, sticks, glass and trash. 

"We want the community to know the Army is here, more Soldiers are on the way and we're about doing positive things in this community," he said.