FORT STEWART, Ga. - As the Marne Division's new campaign "Caught Doing Something Good" continues to identify community members for recycling correctly, one Hunter Army Airfield Civilian has taken recycling into his own hands . . . and has been doing so for a while.

His name is Jim Gillis. He is an Army Civilian at Hunter's Department of Public Works Housing Division, Residential Communities Initiative. As the Monday morning sun begins to rise, Gillis looks through blue poly-carts of residents from the Balfour Beatty community. He makes observations to see whether residents are recycling correctly or not. At the end of month, he identifies a Family who has been compliant with recyclables. He chooses to do this simply because . . . he wants to.

"It's a great way to start the work week," he said. "One of the skill sets required for my Residential Communities Initiative Quality Assurance position is Environmental, checking on the compliance of our Commanding General's policy letter #8 -- mandatory recycling, is one specific area. Hunter Army Airfield collects refuse and recyclables on Monday mornings."

Gillis' act of inspecting blue poly-carts is nothing new to the Hunter community. He has been checking residents' recyclables since July 2009. He also ensures that recyclables are not mixed with waste when the truck collects residents' recyclables and refuse, he said.

"My commanding general, garrison commander and division chief all have instilled the importance of recycling," Gillis said. ". . . My thoughts are how our generation may be remembered."

For dedicating his time and effort to the recycling initiative, he wants nothing in return. He expects no reward or certificate of appreciation.

"I'd like to say that the interaction with the residence by answering questions about recycling while making my observations is my reward," he said. "People by nature like to learn. I do my best to educate, clarify and promote the Department of Public Works' Environmental Division Sustainability Policy."

Adding to the reward he provides to a household, he recognizes a Family by taking a photo and contacting the Third Infantry Division Soldier's command.

"I identify one household that stands out among the many that impresses me with continued recycling compliance, and I give them a pat on the back and take a photo op," Gillis said. "I send an e-mail and photo to his/her battalion command sergeant major. It's a small action that keeps me close to my military roots."

Gillis said that since he has begun to recognize a Family for recycling compliance at the end of the month, the Hunter Balfour Beatty Community Manager Tom Jenkins has agreed to continue making recycling observations and recognitions to a Family as well.

"Families residing in Balfour Beatty communities at Hunter Army Airfield are a great source of motivation," Gillis said.

Gillis extends his appreciation to those involved for their support and confidence.