Adopt-a-road/parking lot program keeps base looking pristine Published Dec. 21, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Connor 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Two decades of continuous deployments around the globe, manpower reductions, aging aircraft and budget cuts, Air Force units worldwide are streamlining operations and adopting more cost effective programs. The personnel at Aviano Air Base, Italy are no different as the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron launched a base-wide Adopt a Road/Parking Lot program at the beginning of fiscal year 2010. "The program provides units on base an additional opportunity to get out and make an impact by keeping the base looking great," said Lt. Col. Bo Bloomer, 31st CES commander, when he introduced the program to base-wide leadership in September. The ARPL program is meant to be a complimentary program to the existing base beautification detail program, said Maj. Sara Deaver, 31st CES operations flight commander. Currently, the four-person base beautification teams focus on high traffic/common spaces in Area F, Areas 1 and 2 (bus stops, parking lots, and major thoroughfares); however, she said there are areas around the base that need more attention than this team is capable of handling on a daily basis. "The beautification teams 'polish the boots' and the ARPL program adds the 'shine', said Major Deaver. "The Airmen who support both programs make a big difference in the appearance of the base; however, the general cleanliness of the base is not their responsibility alone, it takes a team effort," she said. "I challenge everyone to make a conscious effort to look for trash and debris when their out and about the base's many areas, and if you see something, pick it up." Once unit personnel commit to a specific parking lot or roadway on base, they're committing to policing the designated area for trash and debris once a week. For their effort, a unit-specific sign will be placed to recognize their commitment to keeping the base clean at the entrance to the adopted parking lot or at the start of the adopted roadway. "Programs like the ARPL are important because we want to show off the base to our Italian friends and neighbors," said Major Deaver. "It comes down to pride; how much pride we have in what is ours. Aviano Air Base is our home. Our wing's family lives and works here and we want to take care of it." Airmen assigned to the following organizations are currently supporting the program: - 603rd Air Control Squadron: Area F base exchange parking lot - American Forces Network-Aviano detachment: Area F shoppette parking lot - 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron: Area F perimeter fence line from Gate 7 to the LRS Compound - 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs: Area F Consolidated Support Center 2 parking lot between the tennis courts and La Bella Vista Club Units can sign up for a stretch of roadway or parking lot at any time by sending an e-mail to Major Deaver at sara.deaver@aviano.af.mil. When submitting a request to support the program, units need to send their squadron emblem in bmp or tif format, their unit motto, and what area they want to adopt. Some of the more common things found are cigarette butts, receipts that blow out of people's car doors, and the overflow from common area garbage cans that get caught in the wind and blow around before they're emptied. Base personnel are asked to put their butts where they belong and if necessary, to take their trash home and throw it away if they can't find an empty garbage can close by. If someone notices a garbage can is overflowing and littering the surrounding area, take a few extra minutes and notify the building custodian so it can be taken care of. "As our wing motto states, '... we are a team whose mission can be accomplished only when each and every one of us plays his position to the best of his ability, and in cooperation with one another...,'" said Major Deaver. "Keep Aviano clean!"