From Commander, Naval Surface Force Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Naval Surface Forces (CNSF) First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) did their part in keeping San Diego clean Nov. 9 when they picked up trash along a one-mile stretch between Coronado Ave., and Iris Ave., in Imperial Beach.

The FCPOA took responsibility for the cleanliness of the area in May 2004 as part of California's Adopt-A-Highway program. The program was established in 1989 by the California Department of Transportation to provide cleaner highways and save California taxpayers an estimated 14.5 million dollars per year.

"I believe that everyone should do a little part in keeping our county clean," said CNSF FCPOA President, Storekeeper 1st Class (SW/AW) Christopher Okimura. "I hope when people see us out there that they will be reminded about how much litter can hurt the environment. And just maybe next time they see a piece of trash on the ground, they'll pick it up and throw it away. Sometimes it's the little things that can make [the] biggest difference."

The FCPOA cleans this stretch of highway every other month. At their last clean up, they collected four bags of trash.

"The Adopt-A-Highway program is a way for our organization to give back to the community and the environment," said CNSF FCPOA Vice-President, Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Paula Ludwick. "It is a way for us to do our part in helping preserve the environment for future generations."

In addition to the Adopt-A-Highway program, the CNSF FCPOA has been involved in a number of service related projects including food drives for the San Diego Food Bank and blood drives for the Armed Services Blood Program.

Okimura said, "Community involvement an important aspect of our association. We strive to improve our community as a team and put just as much effort into that as we do in service to our nation."

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