Private organization's labors boost base's curb appeal

  • Published
  • By Dan Neely
  • 919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
DUKE FIELD, Fla. --  Members of Duke Field's Top 3 Association put a key part of their charter to work recently with a base landscape facelift.

Seeing a glaring need to spruce up a few high-traffic spots here, a dozen volunteers devoted about 20 manhours and several hundred dollars worth of materials to enhance Duke Field's curb appeal, according to Master Sgt. Amy Billiot, Top 3 treasurer. Sergeant Billiot, along with MSgt. Tom Haddock, Top 3 president, served as co-leaders on the project that aimed at beautifying the base entrance fronting Highway 85 and Duke Field's Outpost/Club facility.

"First impressions are lasting," Sergeant Billiot said. "The entrance to Duke ... provides a first impression to many who drive by or visit the base. The Top 3 took it upon ourselves to show not only the men and women
who are assigned to Duke Field, but to the local community that we care."

In addition to mulch, potting soil and landscape timbers obtained through the Eglin AFB self-help store and civil engineer squadron, the team installed native and drought-tolerant plants such as Rosemary, Muhly grass and Yaupon holly.

"These tend to have fewer issues with disease and pests and will be more likely to survive a period of drought and water restriction," Sergeant Billiot explained.

Sergeant Haddock's wife, Susan, volunteered her expertise as a professional landscape designer.

"Susan provided drawings and a plant count for our project. She also picked out plant varieties that were native and would do well in this area," Sergeant Billiot said. "(Sergeant Haddock) pretty much did what she told him to do. Dig here, dig there."

"We also had outstanding support from Master Sgt. Ricardo Clifton and Master Sgt. Patrick "P.J." Walker, who were able to supply the team with other materials needed to get the job going," Sergeant Haddock said.

Sergeants Billiot and Haddock said they were glad to get some additional help from volunteers outside their organization - Master Sgt. Patrick McKenzie, an Eglin Top 3 member, and Capt. Courtney Wilson, 919th Medical Squadron.

"We still have some work to do to finish the landscaping, but overall it was an awesome job done by all," Sergeant Billiot said.

The Duke Field Top 3 Association has been similarly active with volunteer projects aiding the base and local communities. They donated labor and money to help refurbish the First Lady, a highly distinguished former Duke Field AC-130 gunship now on permanent historical display at Eglin's Air Force Armament Museum.

The organization's faithful volunteered at a local charity event and auction which directly benefited the Emerald Coast Childrens' Advocacy Center, a local center for abused, neglected children. They also participated in the American Cancer Society's local Relay for Life event and served as host for the annual NCO and senior NCO induction ceremonies.

"Our next immediate effort will be to volunteer our time in support of a local charity organization during Thanksgiving," Sergeant Billiot noted. "We're also organizing distribution boxes in each of the unit organizations on base in support of Caring and Sharing."

Sergeant Haddock explained how the Top 3 Association's volunteerism exemplifies their charter in action.

"When you apply that extra stripe above the other chevrons, you're pretty much saying you're ready to take on greater responsibilities and put forth that extra effort," he said. "The scope of the senior NCO varies greatly. One can serve as an advisor and/or leader from the duty section level to the highest levels of the military establishment.

"Whether that's managing personnel, mentoring or simply voicing the concerns of those equal to or under you, we (Top 3) see ourselves as an avenue to instill inspiration and pride in others by getting out there amongst our peers and the local community and doing a little extra," Sergeant Haddock continued. "It all boils down to setting a goal and meeting it, and doing whatever it takes to get the job done."