An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News Search

School-age program celebrates Arbor Day

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Chris Hoyler
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affaris
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The Pope school-age program hosted its annual Arbor Day celebration April 2, highlighting Pope's 10th consecutive year being named "Tree City USA." 

Col. Michael Thornton, 43rd Operations Group Commander, Lt. Col. Aaron Benson, 43rd Civil Engineer Squadron Commander and Joe Johnson, the Cumberland County Division of Forest Resources Ranger, presided over the event, which included more than 20 children from the school-age program. 

Audasia Williams, Alexandria Scruggs and McKenzie Jessup won the Arbor Day Poster Contest, and their posters were displayed on the top row of the 10-foot display showcasing all of the children's artwork. 

McKenzie also led the children in singing the Oath of the Junior Forest Rangers before Colonel Thornton spoke about his own experiences as a child in the school-age program at Dover Air Force Base, Del., where his father was stationed. 

"We planted a tree, just like you will today," Colonel Thornton said. "About 10 years ago I went back and saw a row of trees, and the tree we planted that day was still there. 

"Consider these your trees. Take care of them and watch them grow." 

After Colonel Benson read the proclamation from Col. Timothy Zadalis, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander, declaring April 2, 2008 Arbor Day on Pope, the children proceeded to plant two dogwood trees with Colonel Thornton and Mr. Johnson. The trees were planted next to those that were planted during last year's ceremony. 

It was a step toward making Pope "Tree City USA" again next year; last year, more than 200 trees were planted here. 

"This shows how much dedication Pope has to planting trees and protecting the environment," Mr. Johnson said. 

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Colonel Thornton presented Mr. Johnson with a 43rd Airlift Wing Commander's coin in honor of his years of service to Cumberland County and Pope.