95th RS helps community, local school for second year

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Forty three members of the 95th Reconnaissance Squadron spent 130 man-hours clearing undergrowth, dead and overgrown trees, leaves and rubbish from the area around Riverside Middle School in Mildenhall Dec. 11.

The cleanup, part of a Top 4 initiative, resulted in the removal of about 1.5 tons of material saving the school between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, according to Caroline Yates, the school's headmistress (principal).

It was the second time the unit participated in supporting the community. In 2007, they cleared five years-worth of overgrowth and rubbish.

"The staff, pupils and governors of (our school) are delighted with the fantastic work undertaken by the (squadron), who spent time last week helping to make the school grounds more welcoming," Miss Yates wrote in an e-mail.

She added that the original turning circle just off Wamil Way is a useful area which leads onto the school playground. People from the local community use the site for parking when visiting the church, and parents drop off and pick up their children there.

"In recent months, the whole area had become overgrown and was becoming dangerous both to pedestrians and vehicles, as people couldn't see where they were going," Miss Yates continued. "Now, thanks to the volunteers from the 95th RS, the area is clear and clean."

The headteacher said the pupils had immediately noticed the difference, and one had commented that he now feels much safer walking to school on his own, now that the bushes have been cut down.

The squadron is now a member of the "Friends of Riverside" group, and is the first military unit to do so.

Chief Master Sgt. John Matthews, 95th RS and project leader for the event, said helping the local school in this way is a very worthwhile event.

"It's vital to have a strong optimistic community relationship, which invigorates and heightens U.S. and U.K. friendship," he said.

"The support from members of the U.S. Air Force is invaluable, and it's great to know that our community has so many local supporters," Miss Yates said. "As a school, we've been working really hard at developing our community links, and this is a brilliant example of how (servicemembers) help local schools. Thank you."

Editor's note: Information provided by Chief Master Sgt. John Matthews, 95th Reconnaissance Squadron.