One Down, 199 to Go - Andersen Village Fruit Tree Project Groundbreaking Published July 26, 2024 By Staff Sgt. Pedro Tenorio 36 Wing ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- The Air Force’s official color is blue, but today – it was green. On July 29, 2024, the first tree in Brig. Gen. Thomas Palenske’s, 36 Wing commander, Andersen Village Fruit Tree Project was planted in front of the 36 Wing’s Headquarters. Photo Details / Download Hi-Res This is the official start of a long term plan to replace almost two thousand Andersen Air Force Base trees that were destroyed by Super Typhoon Mawar. This project is also an extension of the base's Community Garden Initiative. This initiative, run by the Integrated Resilience Office and the Health Promotion Coordinator, provides base residents and offices free bed-raised planters to promote gardening within the base community. After receiving a bed-raised planter himself, Palenske had a simple vision. “I want to plant enough fruit trees on Andersen AFB as to create such an abundance it will inspire generosity.” Palenske said. Along with creating a culture of generosity, he spoke about the impact this could have on Andersen families, specifically the children. Not only will everyone be able to enjoy a variety of fresh fruit for free, but also fosters an area to build new friendships and enhance the sense of community on Andersen. With this vision, 36 Wing representatives met and eventually formed the dream team with the University of Guam – College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Guam Department of Agriculture, University of Guam – Triton Farms and Guam Island Fruit Trees. Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Every partner of the Fruit Tree Initiative has shown their intent for the long-term success of the project. Partners have provided saplings, soil evaluation, landscape teams, pest and disease control guidance and many other methods of support. Currently there are 200 grafted, air-layered and seeded fruit trees that have been donated to Andersen AFB. These fruit trees include mango, avocado, calamansi, singuellas, manzanita, mulberry, banana and papaya. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in front of the Wing Headquarters. Project partners all joined together to pour soil, mulch and water on the mango tree. The other 199 are slated to be spread out throughout base housing, Airman dorms and other common areas. That vision, however, could never be made a reality without our partners in the community. “Thank you for sharing your knowledge, generosity, and your enthusiasm and love for gardening with the Andersen Community,” said Liela Garcia, Base Community Garden Initiative co-lead. “Because of you, generations of local and military families will enjoy fruits from trees whose birth place were in Agat, Yigo, Yona, Agana Heights, Urunao, Inarajan and Talofofo in the years ahead.” Photo Details / Download Hi-Res