COMMENTARY: One person can make a difference, pass it on

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Yvette M. Larson
  • Air Force Reserve In-Service Recruiter
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  When I arrived at Kadena in the fall of 2008, I noticed a lot of trash around the base; especially in the housing areas.

While walking on base every week with a friend, we complained to each other about the litter. It seemed to be everywhere, even soda cups and chips in the middle of Ryukyu Middle School's new track. I would often say, "One of these days I'm going to do something about this litter."

Two and a half years later, I picked my son up after school one day and watched as he threw a cup on the ground without a second thought.

I was furious!

I couldn't believe my son littered. Over the years I kept thinking, "Who is dropping all this litter all over the base?" I would think that whoever it is, "they must have bad parents."

I re-learned two things: First, if you don't become a part of the solution you may be part of the problem; I'm guessing other parents are unaware that their children litter. Second, bad habits are contagious, as well as the good habits.

So I decided to be part of the solution. I reprimanded my son for his actions by making him pick up litter.

I asked him to recruit some of his friends to help. I figured this would help others learn from my son's mistake and maybe pass on good habits. Three of his friends volunteered. I drove around looking for the most trash in a consolidated area. I found it at Chibana Housing area.

Starting at 8 a.m. on Presidents Day, they began picking up garbage. The boys picked up litter for about an hour. They made a visible difference in a short amount of time. They covered all of the Chibana Housing area, including the ball field. Two neighbor boys even joined in and started picking up garbage with them.

My son, Hunter, and his friends, Jordan, Christian and Dom, made a significant difference that Monday morning in a short amount of time and I am thankful for their service.

I hope that everyone, especially parents, will be inspired by this story and want to be part of the solution.