By Rick Scavetta
U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart
As the leaves begin to fall, the Army wants to make sure U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart looks its best – an effort that needs community support.
Fall cleanup efforts started on Oct. 13 and will last until the end of the month. In addition to picking up around offices and housing areas, the garrison will focus on the importance of recycling.
Traditionally, commanders coordinate efforts around this time each year to get the installation ready for winter.
The garrison cannot do it alone, said Col. Jason Condrey, USAG Stuttgart’s commander. “This is a three-week long effort in which all units, organizations, and families must clean up in the immediate vicinity of their offices, buildings, work, and on-post living areas,” Condrey said.
“This year we also must observe coronavirus mitigation efforts, keep our distance and wear masks during the cleanup.”
Implementing rejuvenated efforts toward area cleanliness stems from community input to a recent housing satisfaction survey. A similar survey commences this October. Feedback provided helps garrison officials steer efforts toward improving on-post residents’ satisfaction.
Garrison operations staff have reached out to all tenant units and organizations to support the effort. During the week of Oct. 13, the cleanup is at Patch Barracks, followed by Kelley Barracks and Stuttgart Army Air Field during the week of Oct. 19. Panzer Kaserne and Robinson Barracks undergo cleanup during the week of Oct. 26. The public works directorate will supply self-help tools and plastic bags at each location.
A key part of the cleanup is to make sure that waste, garbage, and hazardous materials are disposed of properly. Bulk trash and green waste should be separated and placed on the curb next to trash collection points.
Units should have service members clean work spaces during the morning and release them to clean housing areas in the afternoon. Building managers will help direct the work, so that an area of 50 feet around each building is cleaned. Housing officials will contact building coordinators by Oct. 11 with more information.
Raking leaves and picking up debris is often the main effort, but a focus on building basements and areas where bulk trash accumulates is also important.
“We have pride in our shared community,” Condrey said. “Being glad that we live here starts with how we care for our surroundings.”
