The precision with which the Soldiers assigned to the Washington Army National Guard's Recruit Sustainment Battalion operate impressed Jeanine Riss.

"They are so organized, so disciplined, so hard working," she said.

The restoration director with Citizens for a Healthy Bay (CHB), Riss said she could not do her work without the efforts of the Guard. "I adore these Soldiers," she said. "They really do make a difference in the community."

The 100 Soldiers worked hard rooting out invasive weeds and carrying five gallon buckets of mulch along the banks of the Puyallup River to a freshly weeded area.

Part of a nationwide National Guard initiative known as "Guard the Environment," the Soldiers worked to preserve the nine-acre Gog-le-hi-te wetlands.

The CHB and the Port of Tacoma have collaborated to restore the area, which was once a  landfill.

"Without volunteers to work with us," Riss said, "we would not be able to accomplish the work we do."

One of those volunteer citizen-Soldiers was Sgt. Fred Quintana.

"It is good to be able to give back to the community," he said as he filled a bucket with mulch."Not only does this build character and a sense of teamwork, it also allows us to give back to the community we are all a part of."

This theme appeared repeatedly as Soldiers took a breather.

"My family has a long history of serving in the military," Pvt. Mickel Teeter said as he pulled weeds from the banks of a large mudflat. "I joined the Guard for the college benefits and - just as importantly - to serve my community, state and country."

Six hours later, the Soldiers finished their work.  They were tired and hungry.

They were also proud.

"We've done some good work," PV1 Derek Price said as he helped gather up tools.  "It is great to help out in the community."