MATTINGLY PARK, INDIAN HEAD, MD -- Marines from Headquarters and Service Company, Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, II Marine Expeditionary Force, started the morning of Oct. 4 like many others, with a formation run. However, things took a different turn from there.
CBIRF Marines finished their run off-base at Mattingly Park, where they conducted a “face-lift.” Their clean-up effort included spreading topsoil, planting grass and replacing fences.
“It’s good to help any community,” said Lance Cpl. David Lystad, nuclear, biological and chemical warehouseman, CBIRF.
The clean-up effort improved the park and also provided CBIRF Marines a chance to build unit cohesion.
“With such a small unit, it really builds camaraderie and gives us a chance to get to know the Marines and the community,” Lystad said.
The clean-up helped several of the Marines who frequent the park feel more connected to the community.
“A lot of us utilize this park for fishing and boating,” said Sgt. Tim Arnold, Identification and Detection Platoon guide, CBIRF. “I think we’re giving back to the community and forming a partnership with them.”