Soldiers from 504th Military Intelligence Brigade load up shingles illegally dumped in training area 74 during the installation-wide fall cleanup Dec. 2, 2024, at Fort Cavazos, Texas.
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Soldiers throw litter collected from one of their designated cleanup areas into a trash dumpster at the consolidation point Dec. 3, 2024, at Fort Cavazos, Texas.
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FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — In a display of environmental stewardship and community responsibility, Soldiers spread out across the installation and training areas to tackle challenges of illegal dumping during the post-wide fall cleanup Dec. 2-6.
The biannual cleanup event takes place every spring and fall in an effort to combat the growing challenges of illegal dumping. From tires and furniture to appliances and construction waste, the training areas have become a target for those seeking to dispose of materials improperly. The cleanup effort also included conducting installation police call and maintenance within the cantonment areas, family housing and unit motor pools.
The 504th Military Intelligence Brigade was one of many military units who tackled the task with determination. Sgt. Maj. Ryan Munroe, 504th MI Bde. operations sergeant major, explained his experience participating in two prior cleanup events provided him valuable insights into the logistics preparation.
Along with training areas 72, 73 and 74, 504th MI Bde.’s footprint extends into Montague Village and West Fort Cavazos cantonment. Munroe explained how scouting their areas beforehand has proven to be a game changer in terms of the warfighter’s time management and effectiveness.
“We have a recurring OPORD (operation order), so our AO (area of operation) doesn’t change and gives us a more efficient way to get after the massive bulk piles faster as opposed to wasting time driving around looking for them,” he said.
Munroe pointed out the irony in how some individuals publicly express their admiration for the troops but fail to back up their words with responsible actions. Beyond the aesthetic and ecological damage, trash, hazardous material and debris also create obstacles that hinder training.
“Illegal dumping shows a lack of respect for the warfighter and directly impacts our ability to train effectively and safely,” he said. “The more time we spend, training hour wise, coming out here and cleaning up after irresponsible individuals is time that an intelligence Soldier isn’t working on problems going on around the globe.”
Throughout the day, vehicles headed to the consolidation point to unload items into collection containers for trash, metal and concertina wire and designated areas for hazardous materials and items for the Defense Logistics Agency. Some of the larger items collected and taken directly to the landfill was a fiberglass johnboat, deer stands, multiple couches and love seats and roofing materials.
By the end of the week, 504th MI Bde.’s efforts added to the collective effort of 67,200 pounds of trash, 21,640 pounds of scrap metal, 1,180 pounds of concertina wire and 125 tires.
The trash will be taken to the Fort Cavazos landfill, and the scrap metal and wire gathered will be processed by Fort Cavazos Recycle, generating revenue to help support events for Soldiers and the community events.
The community is encouraged to support the warfighter by doing their part and reporting any instances of illegal dumping to appropriate authorities.
Citations for criminal trespassing and illegal dumping or theft of services can easily add up to a monetary fine and lead to the possibility of an arrest.
If someone observes another engaging in illegal dumping, take note of critical details such as the date and time, location, description of the person and/or vehicle, and
type of waste dumped, and report the incident to the Directorate of Emergency Services at 254-287-4001.
