Unit member's cleanup local area outside main gate Published April 24, 2009 By Capt. Dicie Hritz 171st Public Affairs April 17, 2009 -- Unit members cleanup local area outside main gate By Capt. Dicie Hritz, 171st Public Affairs Members from the 171st Air Refueling Wing cleaned up a local road during the Great Pennsylvania Cleanup Friday, April 17, 2009. Approximately 75 volunteers from all around the base walked McClaren Road located outside the front gate to pick up trash, and beautify the community. The cleanup route started at the top of McClaren Road/Route 60 Interchange, to Ewing Road and ended at Resurrection Cemetery, spanning a two mile stretch of road. The day started as volunteers gathered in the Steel City Cafe at 7:30 a.m. where members were issued their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), gloves and reflective vests. The base Point of Contact (POC) was Lt. Col. John Tower, 171st Environmental Coordinator. "The cleanup walk makes the area look better and it creates a safer environment. We picked up a lot of tires and other trash this year which helps out with West Nile disease," said Tower. Coordination with Finley Township was necessary to make the event successful. The event was not just a success from an environmental perspective, but it was also fun for unit members to get out and take a stroll down McClaren Road on a nice brisk morning. "It was nice to see everyone out there. I would do it again next year, said Tech. Sgt. Deb Snatchko, 171st Comsec Manager, and a volunteer of the cleanup walk. The Great Pennsylvania Cleanup Day wrapped up with a braut-burn held by Operations Group in which all donations will be given to Master Sgt. Randy Proffitt, 171st Life Support who is battling prostate cancer.