Officials encourage base-wide pre-Spring cleanup Published Feb. 19, 2010 Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Spring is just around the corner and Tinker officials are encouraging organizations to take a little time out of their schedules Feb. 25-26, and support the base-wide cleanup event. Col. Allen Jamerson, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander, said he would like each organization to police their areas of responsibility. Units can start by picking up trash, debris, and clutter around our facilities and base at large in a "FOD walk" manner, he said. "These areas were assigned to each organization based primarily on their location and size," Col. Jamerson said. "However, as in the past, most organizations are asked to clean more than just their particular area as we have many common areas and exterior fence lines to cover as well." Col. Jamerson added that the collection of hazardous waste will not be part of this cleanup effort. There will be no debris dumpsters staged for this effort and personnel are asked to dispose of trash at regular dumpster locations throughout the base. The grounds contractor will again be available for the pickup of debris not suitable for trash dumpsters. Please ensure that debris is placed near a curbside that is easily accessible for a truck and trailer. Trash bags and gloves are readily available for purchase with the GPC at Base Supply in Bldg. 469. "Controlling waste and litter in the famous Oklahoma winds is challenging but a necessary task for all of us," Colonel Jamerson said. "Not only do we need to keep our base looking its best, but we also need to prevent potential FOD from migrating onto our airfield." "I would ask that facility managers not only support this event, but take ownership of their assigned areas by periodically initiating their own cleanup efforts," Colonel Jamerson said. In addition, Col. Jamerson said, facility managers are reminded that they are responsible for keeping the areas within 50 feet of their facilities free from litter in accordance with OC-ALC TAFB Handbook 32-9001, the Facility Manager's Handbook. Base Civil Engineer Gene Gallogly said members of Team Tinker did an excellent job of cleaning up their organizations' designated areas during cleanup day events in 2009 and anticipates the same for this year's efforts. "This is an extremely busy time and we will be hosting several DV's. Your support is essential to letting our DV's know we take pride in Tinker AFB," Mr. Gallogly said For assistance with refuse collection, contact TRACE at 734-1381.