Camp Murray Clean-Up Day 2000

Story & photos by SPC Charles Ames - Posted Aug, 2000

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We like to think that there's a little gardner in each of us

Before the Summer of 2000 could really get underway, there was a tradition that had to be observed - Clean-Up Day.  And so, in May, the Guardsmen and employees of the State Military Department, working at the Headquarters of the Washington National Guard on Camp Murray, traded in their BDUs for coveralls, got up from behind their computers, picked up weed-eaters, shovels, rakes and wheelbarrows, and went out into the fresh air to defend against a dreaded domestic enemy... the wild Raspberry bush!

If you could work on grounds that were reminiscent of a golf course, would you give up a day each year in the spring to roll up your sleeves, break out the tools and do a little yard work?  For the denizens of Camp Murray, it was a small price to pay.

For most of the employees on Camp Murray, this was their only 'dress-down' day of the year.  While the need wasnt as urgent this year, their was no mercy given to the stray weeds and Raspberry vines that had peeked out early following a mild winter.  It's not unusual for folks to plan for this day for months, bringing in their own supplies, seeds, etc, although grounds maintenance funds are provided.

Earlier in the week the Facilities Maintenance Office (FMO) set about replanting Camp Murray's 'Memorial Plaza' area.

The day prior to the official 'Clean-up Day', the Air Guard took advantage of the splendid weather to do much of their clean-up... maybe they knew something the Army Guard didn't!  This combined to make 'Clean-up Day' seem more like a week!

The practice of setting aside a day for spring clean-up has been around for almost a decade.  It provides an opportunity for members of all of the branches of the State Military Department to work side by side to practice a little "selfless kindness and random acts of beauty".  Who can resist plowing into the rich earth and watching their handiwork blossom outside of their window over the coming months?  Even the members of the Senior Staff (Major General Scoggins, right) rolled up their sleeves and took part.

The work was extensive: sod was turned, gutters were cleared, leaves were raked, rock was poured, new walkways were laid and weeds were pulled.

As the day closed and the last touches were placed upon the shrubbery, a gentle rain evolved into a drenching pour that nourished the landscape.  Still many of the dirty and tired workers continued their toil, savoring a last chance to be surrounded by the park like beauty of Camp Murray.