SALINA, Calif., (Feb. 27, 2014) --Along California Highway 101 in Salinas, Calif., there is now an Army branded sign which reads Monterey Bay U.S. Army Recruiting.

It's all due to the efforts of Salinas Recruiting Center Commander Sgt. 1st Class Darrin Colwell who organized a local Adopt-A-Highway program.

Colwell wanted to show community involvement by getting his recruiters and Future Soldiers involved in a community service project - one that will serve as an example of selfless service for Future Soldiers that they can carry with them throughout their careers.

Staff Sgt. Jose Michel, a (68P) Radiologic Specialist who volunteered for recruiting, explained selfless service as "putting someone else before yourself."

After recruiters and Future Soldiers scattered along the side of Highway 101 to pick up trash in February, Seaside High School senior Shi Jackson said, "this is good, it makes for a better community."

"This is an opportunity to leave a legacy of community service within Salinas, Calif.," said Colwell. "This is my house and we need to do what we can to help take care of it, to let the community know that the Army is giving something back, even if it is only picking up some trash along the highway."

When the event was complete, the participants had collected four bags of trash. "It's not much," said Staff Stg. Tony Lopes, "but it's a positive start."

Colwell said the center plans to become involved in other community projects.