VPP/Wingman event gets in the weeds Published Oct. 4, 2013 By Jenny Gordon Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Several members of the 78th Communications Directorate's records management section have literally gotten their hands dirty. What used to be an unsightly patch of ground on the east side of Bldg. 301 - familiar to only weeds and swift glances by those to and from work - is now a beautiful recycled garden of sorts. "We thought it would be something beautiful to look at and enjoy instead of there being just a patch of weeds," said Jo Ann Rape, section chief. Admitting there were many in the office who would pass the unsightly 5-foot by 22-foot wide area on their way for a smoke break, they decided to do something about it in conjunction with an upcoming VPP assessment and Wingman event. It took two days this past spring to work the patch of ground, digging out weeds and preparing the soil. With dirt brought in from the 78th Civil Engineer Group, and imperial orange canna lilies from Rape's yard, the area was transformed within a short time. The "Re-Cycle of Life Garden" flourished, multiplying flowers on its own. The low-maintenance flowers also enjoyed recycled shredded paper as mulch, which protected it from weeds over the summer months. In keeping with the VPP mindset of implementing safety standards both at home and work, the idea of spending quality time together at work simply tied in with the goal they were working toward. "It's our little piece of Robins we take care of every day," said Rape. "The beautification project helped to build morale; we had a good time and it gave us the chance to get in the sun and get our hands dirty." The section includes eight people responsible for managing all official government records for the base. The office also operates the FOIA/Privacy Act and publications and forms offices; provides training; manages document destruction; and stores physical documents that haven't yet reached disposition dates. A silver banner presentation was conducted in mid-September; the section welcomed VPP representatives during an assessment in July. "This (silver award) is a step in the right direction, making sure our people are taken care of, paying attention to what their needs are and making sure our area is safe," said Rape. Other project members were: Staff Sgt. NaQuia Brooks, Cindy Daniel, Tech Sgt. Christie Jones, Karen Jackson, Michael Lee, Jeanette McElhaney, Fred Washington, Bernice Winn and Donald Worthington. Additional VPP presentations by Col. Christopher Hill, Installation commander, were made Sept. 13. Gold banners were presented to the 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron (POL Fuels); 78th Security Forces Squadron Armory; and Air Force Sustainment Center-OL/DP, Training & Professional Development.