VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. –
Cadets from the Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy and personnel from the Virginia National Guard Environmental Programs Office collected trash and repaired sand dune fences June 4, 2026, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Cleaning up trash from the beach and Lake Christine reduces pollution, clears the waterway, and protects wildlife, which promotes the health and function of the local ecosystem, explained Lt. Col. John Crocker, SMR commander.
“Working with the students, who are tenants on the installation, helps instill a sense of pride and stewardship as they contribute to keeping the base clean and the environment healthy while also developing an appreciation for the natural resources around them,” he said.
There is always garbage coming in to the beach from the ocean and from people who are careless, explained David Rothrock, an environmental specialist with the VNG environmental office.
“Keeping the beach clean is important for a healthy ecosystem,” he said. “We don’t want sea turtles and other animals eating trash. We make a diligent effort to keep beaches clear of trash.”
They also repaired the fences that surround sand dunes on the beach. People walking on the sand dunes cause erosion and impacts the stability of the dunes. Not only do the fences keep people off the dunes but they help trap the sand so it can accumulate.
Service to community is one of the eight core components of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. Students meet these requirements by participating in organized community service projects that benefit local organizations, schools, neighborhoods, and community members. Through these activities, cadets develop leadership skills, civic responsibility, teamwork, and a commitment to giving back to their communities.
SMR is a Virginia Army National Guard facility located just south of the main resort area of Virginia Beach. SMR serves as a vital training installation, not just for the Virginia National Guard, but for personnel from all four branches of the military, both active duty and reserve, local and state first responders, and a variety of community organizations.