Leadership Wichita Falls tours Sheppard

Tawana Thomas, center, assists with an appendectomy in the 882nd Training Group's Surgical Services Apprentice Course Feb. 20 during the annual Leadership Wichita Falls tour. Touring Sheppard is part of the groups course that allows them to learn about government, public safety, emergency management, educational services and etiquette. (U.S. Air Force photo/Debi Smith)

Leadership Wichita Falls tours Sheppard

R.C. Taylor, left, a member of Leadership Wichita Falls Class of 2007, gets help donning life support equipment Feb. 20 from Jeff Roach, deputy director of the 80th Operations Group training section. Mr. Taylor was one of several area residents who are part of the 13-week program that develops future community leaders. (U.S. Air Force photo/Debi Smith)

Leadership hosts community, business leaders during annual Leadership Wichita Falls tour

Published Feb. 22, 2007
By Debi Smith
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Thirty-nine participants of this year's Leadership Wichita Falls course toured Sheppard Feb. 20, learning a little about what their neighbors in uniform do on a daily basis.

The LWF members attended mission briefings at the 82nd Training Wing and 80th Flying Training Wing, as well as stops at various training locations. The focus of the 13-week program is on government, public safety, emergency management, educational services and etiquette to provide a well rounded overview of the community.

Kevin Pearson, vice president of the Wichita Falls Board of Commerce & Industry, and Dr. David Wierschem, from the Midwestern State University College of Business Administration, outlined strategies for area growth during an economic forum. Jackie Hoegger, a small business owner in the area, presented an inspirational view into her business success story.

Tom Whaylen, Wichita Falls Military Affairs Committee chairman, joined Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bell, the 82nd Comptroller Squadron commander, in a question and answer session on the economic impact of the base.