MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- Marines assisted the Yuma community by picking up trash along the Colorado River July 16, 2010, during the station Single Marine Program’s first river cleanup project.
Nine station Marines and several SMP personnel, cleaned up more than one mile of the river, collecting more than 70 pounds of refuse ranging from cigarette butts to rebar.
“The river is a place where a lot of people from base go,” said Lucia Uribe, Semper Fit special events coordinator. “What better place to go and help the community than somewhere that is utilized by both the locals and people on station?”
In addition to walking the banks of the river, the Marines also floated down on inner-tubes, picking up trash as they went.
“It was a great opportunity,” said Lance Cpl. Forrest Mudge, Combat Logistics Company 16 welder. “A lot of us go down there and party because it’s the only river we have in Yuma. It’s important that we take care of it and make sure it’s going to be available in the years to come.”
The event was part of the SMP’s growing shift toward community service and greater Marine participation. The program has seen more than a 500 percent increase in participation over the last 11 months.
“It felt great to go out and volunteer,” said Lance Cpl. Demeterius Inostroza, station graphics designer. “We cleaned up a stretch of land that people see every day, I hope they appreciate it. It’s great that we have opportunities to go out and help the local community like this.”
For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact your unit’s SMP representive or contact Crouch at 928-269-6556 or jude.wood@usmc-mccs.org.