Sheppard to observe National Day of Mourning Dec. 5

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  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

Team Sheppard,

This week we mourn the loss of a former Commander-in-Chief, our 41st President, George Herbert Walker Bush.

President Bush was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he put his university studies on hold and enlisted. Later he became one of the youngest aviators in the Navy’s history, flew 58 combat missions and earned three Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. His long history of public service to our nation continued in civilian life, as he went on to serve as a member of the House of Representatives, Ambassador to the United Nations, Director of Central Intelligence and as Vice President. Elected to the Presidency in 1988 and inaugurated in 1989, President Bush led the nation and our military in two successful campaigns – the invasion of Panama in December 1989 and the Gulf War in 1991.

We join with the nation in mourning his loss and offering condolences to the Bush family.

In recognition of President Bush’s service to the country, President Trump declared a National Day of Mourning on Wednesday, 5 Dec, and issued an Executive Order closing Federal offices and excusing most Federal employees from duty on that day, with the exception of certain key and essential personnel. Sheppard Air Force Base will follow this guidance accordingly and shut down all operations with the exception of safety and emergency personnel. For pay and leave purposes, this period of time will be treated similarly to a federal holiday – most employees excused from duty will receive the basic pay they would have received if no Executive order had been issued, and those previously scheduled for leave on 5 Dec will not be charged any form of paid leave. This will also affect various base support agencies. The Child Development Center, Youth Center, and Medical Group will be closed tomorrow, however, the VA will remain open to providing services. For detachments not located at Sheppard Air Force Base, operations will be based on the Host Installation’s guidance.  Please contact your supervisor with any questions about how this affects you.  

I encourage you all to take time this week to remember and honor President Bush’s service to the nation throughout his 94 years of life.

Brig. Gen. Ronald E. Jolly Sr.
Commander, 82nd Training Wing