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Cleaning up the Flint River

August 17, 2007

Albany - - After serving our nation for decades, a group of retired Marines is still giving back to the community.

The Marine Corp League of Albany formed earlier this year to give former Marines an opportunity to continue to serve.

With gloves and garbage bags in hand, they're ready for the mission ahead.

"Somebody's got some bags?" Retired Gunnery Sergeant of 21 years JoAnn Kraus asks a comrade.

She is one of several who battled the heat to clean up along the Flint River.

"Don't forget to get the cigarette butts too."

They've noticed a whole lot of trash.

"Soda bottles. We've got glass bottles broken," she says.

So much litter along the river that they didn't expect to be here.

"No we did not and it goes all the way up to the park all the way down to the water," Kraus adds.

Greg Freed came up with the idea.

"Since Marines are known to play in the water, why don't we go clean up the river trail," he says.

The Marine Corp League of Albany formed in January. This is their second community service project. 

They plan to make it a monthly event. Rain or shine....even that good ole South Georgia shine.

"Marines are gluttons for punishment," Freed jokes about the heat.

But thanks goodness we have them, chipping in to make a difference.

The group will return to the river Saturday morning at 8:00. They're teaming up with Albany Tomorrow for the clean-up project.

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