Pride in ownership: Airmen wash dorms at Grand Forks AFB

by Staff Sgt. David Dobrydney
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

7/26/2012 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The home of the Warriors of the North will be getting a new look soon.

However, that new look will depend on the choices individual Airmen make.

As part of an effort to encourage pride in base facilities, three Airmen from the 69th Reconnaissance Group volunteered recently to wash the exteriors of the dormitory buildings.

Using a new power washing system, the Airmen cleaned an entire building in the space of a day. According to Master Sgt. Michael Bender, 319th Civil Engineer Squadron dorm superintendent, the system will save $4,000 a year in contracted cleaning costs.

"We heard they wanted to test this new pressure washer," said Airman 1st Class Jacob Davidson. "We did the first building so quickly Sergeant Bender just said 'OK, let's move to the next one!'"

Davidson added that maneuvering the power washer along the upper floors provided some impromptu physical training sessions. His fellow volunteers cited other reasons why they stepped up.

"It's cleaning the dorms I live in," said Airman Xevious Alde. "Why wouldn't I want them to look nice?"

Airman 1st Class Gregory Aikn added that during the job they've been able to meet people they don't normally see.

"They're doing a great job," Bender said of the Airmen, adding that the system will be made available to other base agencies who wish to clean their buildings.

This project is only the beginning of a renewed emphasis on pride in ownership, stated Chris Powell, 319th CES housing manager.

"We want people to start looking for ways to improve things," Powell said. "You can't buy pride; it's got to come from within."

In an era of declining budgets, Powell added Airmen will have to look to each other to keep their home and workplace looking its best.

"If you see a bush with a piece of trash in it, pick it up," Powell said.