Thank you, Sheppard

  • Published
  • By Capt. Brittany Martin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AFB, Texas --  This past weekend marked the successful completion of the 30th Hotter'N Hell Hundred race, and a large thank you is owed to the Team Sheppard members who were involved.

In terms of participation and effort, the Hotter'N Hell Hundred is one of Sheppard's largest events every year, not just for the riders who brave the heat to compete, but also for the more than 1,500 volunteers that support the event.

The race began with a cannon shot fired by the Sheppard Base Commander Brig. Gen. Darryl Burke and 80th Flying Training Wing Commander Col. Dieter Bareihs and a flyover by a four ship of Sheppard's T-38 Talon jets. And for the riders in the 100 kilometer, 50 mile and 25 mile races, the day concluded with hundreds of young Sheppard Airmen along Airmen's Alley cheering them toward the finish line.

"This was the best part of the ride (besides just making it across the finish line)," a rider commented on the Airmen's Alley.

Every year, Sheppard supports the Hotter'N Hell Hundred by opening up the base as part of the route. The base puts time and effort into making each rider's Sheppard experience as memorable as possible. A training ramp is turned into Air Power Alley, manned by pilots eager to discuss the aircraft along the route. An award-winning rest stop is erected at the base gym. Airmen-in-Training transform a stretch of road into an alleyway of cheering, encouragement and high-fives.

Kevin Raulie, Cavanaugh Flight Museum assistant director, shared his thanks with the base:
Please pass along a big THANK YOU to all of the Airmen associated with all aspects of the ride but especially to the ones involved with the rest stop and the wonderful "gauntlet of Airmen" whose cheers and encouragement take everyone the remaining 5 miles. Each year I specifically look forward to riding through Sheppard AFB. I see their faces, their enthusiasm and willingness to serve. It fills my heart with hope and joy and (forgive the cliché) it makes me proud to be an American! I am very proud of our Armed Forces and especially our Air Force!
 
The race shows the strong relationship that exists between the community and the base.

"We understand it's such a big event for the community, and the community always supports us, so we love to give that support back," General Burke said.