F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The 90th Missile Wing and the Balfour Beatty Communities celebrated Arbor Day by planting a tree on base June 16, 2016. The base has celebrated Arbor Day for the past 28 years and has planted a tree during the celebration for the past 4 years.
“Arbor Day recognizes the importance of trees on a local and global level,” said Andy McKinley, 90th Civil Engineering Environmental Element chief. “We take great pride in caring for and preserving trees on the base, and our annual Arbor Day celebration is an excellent way to support and highlight this ongoing commitment.”
Traditionally, Arbor Day is celebrated at the end of April, however, due to the Wyoming weather, the base celebrates it during June to ensure fair weather for the event.
During the tree planting ceremony, Lt. Col. Robert Lance, 90th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, spoke to the assembled Airmen about the importance of the day and read the proclamation dedicating the tree in honor of Arbor Day.
“[Planting trees] has been a big deal for F.E. Warren Air Force Base for quite a while, going back to when it was Fort D.A. Russell,” Lance said. “You see pictures of the old base and there were very few trees here. Planting trees has become part of our culture here and a big part of what we do to beautify our community.”
The base has been committed to preserving the trees for many generations, McKinley said.
“Our Arbor Day participation is just one of many great things the base does to preserve its valuable and historic landscape,” he said. “Our hope is that future generations will also enjoy these trees for many years to come.”