Duty. Honor. Cleanliness. Three simple words guide a new breed of men and women called to serve. It takes a special personality, a unique individual willing to step forward and protect a grateful community. The CarmelFest Trash Trooper is truly a hero and today, I pay homage to this highly trained Special Forces unit who will fight through exhaustion to keep CarmelFest Disney-clean.
Squads of Trash Troopers stand united; ready at a moment’s notice to spring into action. Without hesitation, they fight the never-ending battle to make sure an innocent child does not accidentally step on a half-eaten, ant-infested elephant ear. Or that young naive Carmel family enjoying the sounds of the Wright Brothers on stage does not even know, within just feet, carelessly discarded Pepsi cups and filthy hot dog wrappers have been expertly removed for their personal safety. The Trash Trooper, usually unseen, is privately proud of the knowledge that he or she is making the world a better place.
Across this great city, teachers, bankers, shopkeepers and homemakers leave their families for a two-hour shift. They proudly don their fatigues and knowingly enter a sweaty, dirty battle zone. Why do they do it? Only God knows what is in their heart. But our beloved CarmelFest is the victor.
Sadly, there are never enough. In short supply and great demand, Trash Troopers want you! Leading his small but mighty force is Trash Trooper Commander and Head Recruiter Gary Frey. Highly decorated from previous CarmelFest battles, he says, “We have a few key positions left to fill, but let me assure you … We are ready! There is still plenty of time to train new Trash Troopers.”
Frey believes some people are just born with the instincts necessary to become a decorated Trash Trooper. “I can spot a good bend-over-and-grab technique a mile away. If they have that, the rest is easy.”
So, this July 3rd and 4th, defending every inch of Carmel Civic Square will be a band of loyal and dedicated freedom fighters. They have taken an oath to eliminate the ickyness from our festival. When you see them in their special uniform: salute, appreciate and wish them well. But, I strongly recommend you NOT shake their hand. God bless our Trash Troopers.
To join the Trash Troopers contact Commander Gary Frey at (317) 513-8559.
