JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
For 15 years, Frank Speed, 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron customer support self help manager, has kept watch of I Love Randolph Week, a five-day effort that encourages base members to carry out spring cleaning in their workplace, residence and the outdoors.
Speed said he has been pleased with base participation during past cleanups, but he plans to do more with less for this year's 16th annual ILRW, April 9-13.
"Traditionally, there used to be more of a military presence on Randolph," Speed said.
With ongoing budget cuts in the Air Force and military members' departures from Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph throughout the years, Speed said that small piece of civic duty also departed.
But the tightening of the Air Force's resources will present an opportunity for base members to holistically change their attitudes on how to treat the base.
"Many people just come to work and leave," he said. "They don't feel it's their job to upkeep the base or their facility."
During ILRW, base members are encouraged to prepare for summer by sprucing up their workplace.
This can include a basic dusting and wipe-down of one's workstation, or even furniture rearrangement that may improve an office's aesthetics.
However, for a more comprehensive cleanup, base affiliates can also perform painting projects on walls, landscaping on plants and shrubbery, and spraying grime off sidewalks by using a pressure washer, but they must receive approval.
In order to paint or use a pressure washer, an Air Force Form 332 must be filled out and turned into the 902nd CES at Hangar 62, room 127. The forms will ensure an office area is inspected for asbestos and lead-based paint before a painting project is commenced.
All AF Form 332s must be submitted to Hangar 62 no later than April 2. Paint and pressures washers will be supplied by the 902nd CES.
For office cleaning supplies, base members can visit the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, Bldg. 90, or visit with their building managers, Speed said.
Speed offered advice for those cleaning up around trees.
"If you end up collecting tree branches as trash, please do not throw them away in dumpsters," Speed said. "Building 1058 has a roll-off section where you can drop off the branches."
Base residents wanting to participate during ILRW are in good hands.
Cathy Wiley, Randolph Family Housing community director, said the RFH office plans to have ILRW-exclusive activities for residents. She recommended residents to stay posted to their monthly newsletters and emails for more information.
"We ought to be good stewards for what the government provides us every day," Speed said. "We should have pride in our workplace, our residence and ultimately in JBSA-Randolph."
Pride, in fact, might be the missing ingredient to pack a greater punch with smaller Air Force resources, Speed said.
Call Frank Speed at 652-3681 or the 902nd CES customer service line at 652-5595 for more information on ILRW. Residents can call RFH at 659-9061.