Joint Base Langley-Eustis Participates in 'Chalk the Walk'

May 1, 2020 | BY Air Force Senior Airman Derek Siefert

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the national event named "Chalk the Walk" has become an example of hope. Soldiers and their families at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, participated in the event April 24 by taking to their sidewalks and creating works of art with chalk.

The 733rd Mission Support Group posted a flyer on its Facebook page inviting all community members to partake in the event and post pictures of their art for a chance to win a prize, picking a theme relevant to thanking the essential workers who are still working every day.

"We are encouraging the community to take part because we have a lot of essential workers on this installation who have to show up for work every day," said Ninoshka Basantes, 733rd MSG marketing chief. "We want them to know they are not going unnoticed. The health care providers, child care staff, food staff, retail staff, maintenance keepers and even our leadership who are working hard day in and out, their efforts are not unnoticed, and we appreciate them all."

Mari Rodriguez, a military spouse living on the installation, and her 14-year-old daughter, Gracie, participated to show their appreciation. "They are important people working their hardest for the community and trying their best to help as many people as they can during this confusing time," Rodriguez said.

In recognizing and showing appreciation for the essential workers, Rodriguez added, she thought the opportunity to take her kids outside in their free time would be a positive way to spend time in the community.

"These events help inspire the community in a positive way in such trying times," she said. "It gives us a moment to show our appreciation to our workers."

The "Chalk the Walk" event brought the community together while still maintaining and following safety guidelines. It gave families the opportunity to get outside of their homes and show recognition for the essential workers who are still working day in and day out to accomplish the mission.

(Air Force Senior Airman Jason Siefert is assigned to Joint Base Langley-Eustis.)