Summer fun at Team Sheppard Published June 24, 2013 By Kimberly Goff 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- For those looking for fun during the summer, Sheppard Air Force Base is providing programs for anyone seeking an adventure. Team Sheppard offers several programs for military personnel, their families, and others with base access with opportunities such as kayaking, golf, paintball, skeet shooting, and even whitewater rafting. The Outdoor Recreation Center offers opportunities such as kayaking, golf, paintball, skeet shooting, and even whitewater rafting. Beth Clements, Director of Outdoor Recreation, feels that the Outdoor Recreation facility is the biggest moral builder to the base. "We hit several people's needs, from parties to going out in the middle of nowhere," Clements said. One upcoming event is the yearly whitewater rafting trip to Canon City, Colorado July 4-7 Developed three years ago, this event is the program held furthest away from the base and, according to Clements, it is the most adventure packed. "Even people who don't know how to swim go, they still come out to do it-- they put their trust in us and we take care of them," she said. Clements also emphasizes that their rental facility is where you can rent anything to do under the sun, or the stars. Part of the Outdoor Recreation facilities, the skeet range provides ample opportunity for new and experienced shooters to hone their skills. Staff Sgt John Sirmopoulous, 365th Training Squadron in F-22 Avionics and Ranch Master for the skeet range, enjoys being able to help people shoot guns. "We have the guns to rent and the shells to buy," Sirmopoulous said. "It helps people get outside." Airman 1st Class Blake Hendricks, 361st Training Squadron for Aircraft Flight Equipment, said going to the skeet range teaches responsibility with a gun as well as the proper procedures for shooting guns. "There's no better way to spend your time," Hendricks said. "You can trust people at a skeet range and that's rare, especially in today's society." For those looking for recreation outdoors, a day out at Sheppard's Wind Creek Golf course could be a perfect fit. Golf Course Manager Mike Bessette encourages people to take advantage of what the base has to offer and to come out and enjoy a nice round of golf. "As long as Air Force members see golf not as a game but as a way to relieve stress, this proves to be a valuable asset to any military installation," Bessette said. Retired Chief Master Sgt. Henry Peters has been coming to the golf course since 1970 and enjoys it for the companionship, the layout, and the employees. "It gives the active duty something to do other than the gym, and it gives the retirees something to enjoy on the base," Peters said. He also states that it allows him to meet old friends all the time. Retired Chief Master Sgt. Ben Slater also notes the importance of Sheppard's golf course. "The golf course teaches integrity and honesty, and that benefits the troops, which in turn benefits the base," Slater said. "It's the only game where if you make a mistake you call it on yourself." Also, for those not willing to brave the heat, there is plenty to do indoors at the Community Center. The Community Center offers direct TV with all sports channels, free Wi-Fi, video games and consoles, pool, air hockey, board games, and over 500 movies for people to watch within the facility as well as various other entertainments. Tim Kahn, Recreation Specialist, believes the community center helps airmen get out of their dorms while staving off their homesickness. "We try to make it as fun as we can so they don't have to worry about schooling," Kahn said. "We make people have fun," he said. Airman 1st Class Tyler Crawford, who is training in Avionics in the 365th Training Squadron, believes it is good to have something to do here. "You can have a bad day in class and you can sit in your dorm room," Crawford said. "Or you can have a bad day and come here and play video games and pool and sit in comfortable chairs," he said. And finally, for those wanting to go on a trip, the Information, Ticket, and Travel Office (ITT) will be able to make arrangements with their discounted ticket prices and access to information needed to plan such a journey.' The ITT office offers military discounts on tickets for the Dallas/Fort Worth areas such as Six Flags and Medieval Times as well as flights and cruises. Marnie McKenzie, ITT Director, describes the ITT office as a place where the customer is given a pleasant place to come and be treated with respect, and that the success of the office is due to not only the staff, but to customer loyalty "We have the reputation that people come here first for cheaper prices," McKenzie said. Joshua Wood, Travel Specialist, said that they also give away free tickets regularly for areas around Wichita Falls, such as Castaway Cove and events held at the MPEC. With so many opportunities available, finding something to do this summer should not be a problem. "If you're looking to have fun during this summer, don't let anything get in your way," Clements said.