Col. Mark McClellan, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Hood commander and City of Killeen Mayor Riakos Adams pose with students and staff from Meadows Elementary, recognizing their award-winning recycled art and stewardship efforts in recycling 7,164 pounds of recyclables during the Greater Fort Hood Area Recycle Bowl March 26.
Photo by Christine Luciano, DPW Environmental
KILLEEN, Texas — Community leaders and environmental stewards from across Central Texas gathered March 26 at the Killeen Arts and Activities Center to recognize extraordinary efforts in sustainability.
Col. Mark McClellan, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Hood commander, joined mayors and representatives from the Cen-Tex Sustainable Communities Partnership to proclaim April as Sustainable Environment Month.
The partnership includes Fort Hood and the neighboring communities of Belton, Copperas Cove, Gatesville, Harker Heights, Killeen, Lampasas, Nolanville and Salado, and demonstrates a shared commitment to stewardship, sustainability and regional collaboration.
“The city mayors, their representatives and I are here today to recommit our dedication to stewardship and to proclaim April as Sustainable Environment Month,” McClellan said.
He emphasized the broader mission of the partnership and its role in strengthening both the community and military readiness.
“When we come together as a community, we strengthen our ability to support both Central Texans and the warfighter,” McClellan said. “Through shared purpose and collaboration, we expand our impact and enhance the resilience and readiness that our mission demands.”
The ceremony also served as a platform to recognize individuals and organizations making measurable impacts.
“Today, we recognize an outstanding group of individuals whose dedication goes above and beyond,” McClellan said. “Their commitment to sustainability, education and community engagement has made a lasting difference …reminding us that stewardship is a shared responsibility and a mission enabler.”
The event was hosted by City of Killeen Mayor Riakos Adams, who underscored the importance of regional unity in tackling environmental challenges.
“Thank you all for being here today as we come together to celebrate our shared commitment to environmental stewardship across Central Texas,” Adams said. “It’s an honor to stand alongside my fellow mayors, community leaders and dedicated citizens who understand that sustainability is our responsibility to future generations.”
The Killeen mayor highlighted the unique strength of the partnership.
“The Cen-Tex Sustainability Partnership represents something truly special — nine neighboring communities working together … tackling environmental challenges that don’t stop at city limits,” he said. “We know our greatest strength lies not in working alone, but in sharing ideas, resources and best practices across our region.”
During the recognition, awardees were presented with a tree cookie, a cross section of a tree and a certificate of special congressional recognition from U.S. Congressman John R. Carter.
Among those recognized was Sgt. First Class Floyd Bristol, 62nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 11th Corps Signal Brigade, who was named the Fort Hood Environmental Ambassador.
“Personally, as an Environmental Ambassador, this award is a milestone accomplishment that I hope makes my family proud and sets a positive example,” Bristol said. “Professionally, I believe it will benefit our leaders by reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship as a priority for all Soldiers and for the mission. I see this less as an award and more as a standard for the entire Army to uphold.”
Bristol described how environmental stewardship is integrated into daily operations.
“During field exercises, we adhere to the ‘pack it in, pack it out’ principle. We prioritize spill prevention … and have designated collection points for recyclables,” he said. “Our motor pool also has a program for turning in hazardous waste … managed through the installation’s hazardous waste program.”
He also emphasized the importance of leadership in building a culture of environmental responsibility.
“Motivation in the Army goes beyond giving orders; it’s about fostering genuine buy-in,” Bristol said. “Our achievements are tangible. During a recent cleanup, we removed 9,500 pounds of litter in just a few days and continue to maintain 100% compliance with the environmental program, making it a standard for Soldiers to follow.”
Students from Meadows Elementary were also recognized for their outstanding environmental efforts, to include collecting 7,164 pounds of recyclables during the Greater Fort Hood Area Recycle Bowl and creating award-winning recycled art.
Katrina Schoenrock, librarian for Meadows Elementary, reflected on the impact of the students’ work.
“I am most proud of the Recycle Bowl because it was a community effort. Everyone at Meadows, from the school nutrition workers to the 3-year olds, were involved in helping to collect,” she said. “The YEA! (Young Entrepreneurs Academy) and Library Crew Club … connected with peers in different classes and grades, had conversations about why it is important to recycle and built their stewardship for the environment together.”
She described the pride of seeing her students recognized.
“I felt a tremendous sense of pride when my students were recognized for their recycled masterpieces,” Schoenrock said.
“I hold art and sustainability close to my heart, so being a part of my students’ journey to understanding, and caring about their environment through art was especially rewarding.”
Offering advice to others, Schoenrock encouraged curiosity and engagement.
“Curiosity about the environment is rooted in every single person. Just one opportunity can spark interest and compassion,” she said. “Take it from my dear friend The Lorax, ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.’”
Looking ahead, she hopes her students continue to carry these lessons forward.
“I hope that my students spread their excitement and knowledge to motivate more youth in taking ownership of their responsibility to protect our precious environment,” she said.
McClellan reinforced the importance of the continued partnership and shared responsibility for environmental stewardship.
“Thank you for your continued support, your leadership and your presence here today,” he said. “Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient and sustainable future for our communities and for those who serve.”