SPANGDAHLEM, Germany -- Spring cleaning took on new meaning in Spangdahlem village April 5, as more than 100 volunteers came together for the annual Spanger Bach Cleanup—an event led by local community members, with support from the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron’s Environmental Office.
Guided by the village’s fire brigade and youth firefighters, volunteers spread out in seven groups across the village and surrounding countryside to clear litter from roadsides, footpaths, and the streambed of Spanger Bach creek.
While the stream was the focal point, removing trash from nearby areas plays a critical role in keeping debris out of local waterways and protecting the environment, said Christian Thurner, environmental scientist with the 52nd CES.
“For us, it’s very important that our impact here is a good one,” Thurner told attendees. “Taking care of the environment together with our local neighbors shows that we’re invested in the health and future of this community.”
The 52nd CES Environmental Office provided cleanup supplies and coordination support, continuing their ongoing partnership with local officials to preserve the region’s natural spaces.
Spanger Bach waterway cleanup
Volunteers pick up litter along the fenceline of Spangdahlem Air Base during the Spanger Bach Cleanup in Spangdahlem, Germany, April 6, 2025. The cleanup focused on reducing debris in areas that could impact local waterways.
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Spanger Bach waterway cleanup
Volunteers pick up litter along the fence line of Spangdahlem Air Base during the Spanger Bach Cleanup in Spangdahlem, Germany, April 5, 2025. The cleanup focused on reducing debris in areas that could impact local waterways.
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Spanger Bach waterway cleanup
Youth firefighters from the Spangdahlem fire brigade lead a cleanup crew through the village during the Spanger Bach Cleanup in Spangdahlem, Germany, April 5, 2025. The brigade helped coordinate teams that collected trash from roads, footpaths, and along the local stream.
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Spanger Bach waterway cleanup
Christian Turner, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Chief, right, and Alois Gerten, the mayor of Spangdahlem welcome volunteers during the opening remarks of the annual Spanger Bach Cleanup in Spangdahlem, Germany, April 5, 2025. The community-led event brought together over 100 local residents, Airmen, and students to remove litter from the village and nearby stream.
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Nine Junior ROTC cadets from Spangdahlem High School also took part, helping clear litter and debris while interacting with local students along the way.
“JROTC is about developing good citizens, and learning to serve your community is part of that,” said Soynae Strickland, a retired Air Force major and senior aerospace science instructor at Spangdahlem High School. “Getting cadets off base and involved with the host nation is a big priority for me—and this was a great opportunity to build those relationships.
After the hard work was done, the group gathered back at the fire station to share bratwurst, snacks, and conversation.
"It’s beautiful to see so many people come together on a spring morning here in the village to clean up our village. It’s a good tradition that allows us to gather with our American friends and our German neighbors to share in this effort, and in the friendship we have here in Spangdahlem,” said Spangdahlem Mayor Alois Gerten during the event’s opening remarks. “For me, it’s wonderful to see. This kind of friendship is so important and coming together like this, in our small village, means a lot."