Warrior medics help keep Texas beautiful Published April 27, 2010 By Linda Frost 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A passion for helping others goes beyond the hospital walls of Wilford Hall Medical Center. Warrior medics here actively contribute to the local community through volunteer work. Thirteen squadron leaders and members of the 59th Medical Inpatient Squadron, along with family members and friends participated in the 2010 Don't Mess with Texas Trash-Off annual cleaning event April 10. The Don't Mess with Texas Trash-Off is the single largest one-day cleanup event in the state, and serves as Texas' signature event for the Great American Cleanup, the nation's largest community improvement program. The event is part of the Texas Department of Transportation litter prevention program, which includes Don't Mess with Texas, Adopt-a-Highway, and a grassroots partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful. "This event was double kudos for me. It allowed me and my family the opportunity to work with fellow team members outside the work place and provide good service to our community," said Lt. Col. Robyn Nelson, Inpatient Pediatric Flight commander. In nearly four hours, the team cleaned and cleared the squadron's adopted highway, a section of State Highway 1604, of more than 20 bags of litter. "It is always a great feeling when you start off the day doing something positive for the community," said Senior Master Sgt. Terry Best-Rennahan, Medical Readiness Flight superintendent. The 59th Medical Inpatient Squadron's Community Outreach Program is always looking for ways to expand their community support network by participating in Lackland Air Force Base and San Antonio community activities, according to Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy Rennahan, 59th MDIS superintendent. Sergeant Rennahan said the MDIS Community Outreach Program conducts at least one community service event monthly that all members of the squadron, fellow Airmen from other squadrons, and family and friends can take part in. The squadron's outreach program began in January. Squadron members participating in the program have donated man-hours and many needed items to local organizations, such as the San Antonio Food Bank, Humane Society, Child Save Center, and KRLN Public TV. "Our goal is to not only provide to the community that we live in, but to spread volunteerism throughout Team Lackland," Sergeant Rennahan added. "Adopt-a-Highway is one of those programs that no one realizes its existence unless it isn't done," he said. "Having folks drive by and honk or wave and knowing you are doing the community some good is a nice feeling. Makes all the nasty stuff you find worth picking up."