Have you taken a walk recently down the Seaview Trail that runs behind the Nor’wester? If so, you may now notice it is free of unsightly trash and debris.

On Saturday, March 12, the Cougars of Electronic Attack Squadron 139 wrangled their way through thorny bushes, dodged snakes and spiders, handled shards of glass and in the process, improved the quality of life at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

Motivated Sailor AEAN Christopher Krucke, of the Cougars took it upon himself to organize a volunteer clean up day for the Seaview Trail and the shoreline behind the Nor’wester Activity Center. The clear, cool, sunny day began with approximately 27 Cougars, family members and friends meeting in the Nor’wester parking lot, where Krucke handed out trash bags, trash sticks and refreshments to the eager volunteers.

The group combed through the rough terrain and rocky beach line, picking up any debris in their path.  By the time the evolution was complete, the Cougars proudly disposed of eight full trash bags. AE1(AW) Robert Price, with 10-year-old daughter Cheyenne in tow remarked, “I was amazed at the number of people willing to show up on their off time to help clean up an area on base.”

Among the debris picked up, several items were found that would make one ponder, such as an “environmentally friendly” canvas grocery bag, a giant block of Styrofoam, a shoe (minus the foot), multiple beer and soda cans, a fossil with an embedded footprint and even a large empty trash bag that aided in the cleanup effort.

Once the shoreline sparkled like the waters that cascade over it, the volunteer group had a strong sense of contribution.

“It was a beautiful day, and we were out there doing a good thing. It really doesn’t get any better that that,” said AZC(AW) David Klutz.

Organizer Krucke was pleased with the turnout and added, “The shoreline and trail are much improved and I look forward to planning additional Cougar volunteer efforts in the near future.”