Texas Rangers Winter Caravan Tour visits Sheppard

  • Published
  • By Josh Wilson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Members of the 2011 American League Champions Texas Rangers made a stop at Sheppard, Jan. 27 as part of their Winter Caravan Tour.

The gesture gave hundreds of Airmen and their families the opportunity to receive an autograph and photos of the two-time American League Champions.

Members that visited the base included pitchers Derek Holland and Matt Harrison, along with hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh.

The visit was entertaining for everyone who attended; however, the real joy came from the players themselves.

"It is great that we are able to come to military bases," said Holland. "It gives us a chance to visit with the heroes that risk their lives to keep our country free and allow us to do what we do."

Sheppard's Honor Guard presented the colors at four ball games this past year, including each of the home World Series games.

"It was a very exciting experience for the entire team," said Honor Guard Manager Tech. Sgt. Kevin Thornhill. "Everyone had an adrenaline rush when standing in front of 52,000 people. I lost my voice when calling commands to the team."

In an interesting twist, The Rangers went on to win all four of the games where the Honor Guard presented colors.

"That means we will have to keep that win streak going and get you guys out more often," said Holland.

The Rangers finished their visit to Sheppard with a tour around the base to see Sheppard's flying and training missions and were very impressed.

The Rangers' visit was arranged by Sheppard's Information Tickets and Tours office.  The ITT tries to arrange as many events as possible to make Sheppard a fun and exciting place to be.

Some of the upcoming events include a visit by the Medieval Times Knights in February and a visit by the monster truck Gravedigger in March.

Visit the ITT website at www.82fss.com, or give them a call at (940) 676-230 for more details on any event, as well as tickets to Rangers and many other sporting events.