Crotwell beautification project

BILOXI, MS, UNITED STATES

10.20.2021

Story by Senior Airman Spencer Tobler 

81st Training Wing

Rustled leaves, tall weeds and damaged stones once surrounded the memorial for Staff Sgt. Byron Crotwell, leading to Casey Harper, 81st Training Support Squadron faculty development instructor, seeing the neglected monument and deciding to take action.

“Like many individuals at Keesler Air Force Base, I enjoy the scenic, park-like setting of the Crotwell track near Keesler Medical Center,” said Harper. “While walking this track, I noticed the dedication plaque with Staff Sgt. Byron Crotwell’s name. I have walked past this dedication area countless times before, but for some reason it really stuck out to me that day.”

After getting approval from her chain of command, Harper took on her beautification project.

“I knew that this needed to be corrected and I decided that I was going to be the one to do it,” said Harper. “The process of pulling weeds, straightening the cement border, planting flowers, and adding mulch took only an hour to complete.”

Senior Master Sgt. Robert Bateman, 81st Training Wing Commander’s Action Group team member and president of the Own-A-Spot committee, gave insight on why it’s important for Airmen to take pride in the appearance of their base.

“Keesler is a beautiful base and it is made better when we all contribute,” said Bateman. “Seeing a spot that you helped beautify immediately establishes pride knowing that you helped take care of the base.”

Harper said taking the initiative to accomplish this improvement on base was important to her and advises community members to support installation improvements when possible.

“If you see something that could be improved, take the initiative,” said Harper. “Go through the proper channels, gather some friends, and make it happen.”

• Date Taken: 10.20.2021
• Date Posted: 11.04.2021 11:45
• Story ID: 408687
• Location: BILOXI, MS, US