MARINE FORCES RESERVE, NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans streets are cleaner now thanks to the efforts of MarForRes Marines.
The Marines were a part of a clean-up marathon which ran from March 24-May 31. This brought the Marines together in an effort to help the city and potentially earn prizes awarded by MarForRes.
MarForRes Logistics (G-4) came in first place with 24 miles of streets cleaned, the furthest distance covered by any group, and 5.2 bags of garbage per person for a total point value of 250.
“We are just doing our part to help the city recover,” said Master Sgt. Theodore Sanders, MarForRes strategic mobility operations chief. “We are trying to get the city back to its original splendor.”
Tied for first was MarForRes Intelligence (G-2), who demolished a damaged church for an estimated 3,200 bags of garbage and scored 3,927 points. Both earned certificates of commendation and a four-day weekend.
“We didn’t do it to win or for points,” said Master Sgt. Charles D. Barden, MarForRes intelligence chief. “We live in this community too. This was just a really big chance to give back.”
In second place was the MarForRes band with 199 points over 3.5 miles, picking up 3.5 bags per person. They received a meritorious mast and a three-day weekend for their efforts.
Third place was the Staff Judge Advocate’s office with 161 points over 3.5 miles with 2.1 bags per person. They also received a meritorious mast and a three-day weekend for their work.
Plans and Operations (G-3/5) had the highest percentage of participants with 95.4 percent of their shop taking part in the event.
Overall, MarForRes collected 4,280 bags of garbage over 51.6 miles of New Orleans streets. All participants will receive a letter of appreciation from their individual shops.