JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Once a month, the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office tackles area beautification around the Joint Base San Antonio-Kelly Field outpost. The program is headed by Staff Sgt. Darlinda Wright, storage management supervisor, JPPSO-South Central/Det. 3.
Volunteers meet once a month from the JPPSO office, to make an impact larger than one might expect from the smaller unit.
“We want to help the city of San Antonio with beautification around the base,” Wright said. “We want to give back to the community that has been so good to us.”
The program got its start when the JPPSO first sergeant, Master Sgt. Jewell Allen was driving onto base, and noticed the area could use some help.
“He wanted us to be a part of the community, and he wanted us to make sure we were doing our part,” Wright said. “Looking forward, I would love to get others to expand this effort.”
The program has existed for about a year, with Wright leading the effort since July. She says that while the effort helps the community, there are also considerable benefits to the JPPSO team.
“Because of COVID-19, it’s been hard to do group gatherings,” Wright said. “But it’s easy for us because we are outside and we can social distance.”
Wright says it brings the team together for a chance to interact with people they might not see that often during the day.
“It’s just a challenge to really get out, and interact with your people during the day,” Wright said. “We’re very busy with phone calls and emails from customers, dealing with the booking or tracking of shipments … the majority of our day is spent inside of our cubicles.”
Wright also sees the program as a way for the more experienced military to mentor some of the newer Airmen.
“They’re still learning the dynamics of being in the military, and they might be a little shy,” Wright said. “It’s good for them to meet people outside of their section and build that camaraderie.”
Wright also thinks it is important that the military in San Antonio project as positive an image as possible.
“How well you take care of your work area is sometimes the first impression people may see of you,” Wright said. “It shows a sense of pride you take in your work and in the mission.”