Texas Air National Guardsmen clean up Trinity River

Prior to starting their monthly training, Airmen from the 136th Airlift Wing, Texas Air National Guard, stationed at the Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, helped clean up the community during participated in the biannual Tarrant Regional Water District's Spring Trinity River Trash Bash, May 21, 2016.

"The City of Fort Worth does a lot for the base, so being able to give back is really important," said Senior Master Sgt. Trey McKinney, 136 AW Inspector General superintendent. "We were able to pick up quite a bit of trash that was scattered due to the heavy rainfall we've been experiencing the last couple of weeks. Being able to break from the norm, be outside and out in the community was enjoyable."

During the Trash Bash, more than 3,100 volunteers took part in picking up trash along the Trinity River. Now in its 25th year, the popularity of the event has increased, and features both a fall and spring bash to ensure that the community can make a consistent effort to protect and preserve the ecosystem.

Volunteers trekked a more than 70-mile span that was broken down into nine locations for the cleaning effort. The event gave the local community an opportunity to improve the cleanliness and beautification of their environment.

"I love being able to make a difference and assist others in the community," said Senior Airman Danielle Piccolo, 136 AW Airlift Wing Human Resource specialist. "Just being a military member is so much more than what people see on television or what they read on social media. We are here to help and be active members of our community. Volunteering at the Trinity River was such a good way to do that and help out, even though something as simple as picking up trash. I was glad to be a part of that and get involved."

The next Trinity River Trash Bash is scheduled to take place Sept. 26, 2016.