Sheppard gives back to the community Published April 26, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Team Sheppard set out to make a difference in the local community by volunteering for Christmas in Action for nearly nine hours April 24. Christmas in Action is an annual program that renovates the homes of low-income elderly and disabled homeowners in Wichita County, Texas, who residents may not have any other means of fixing their homes. Improvements made at one site, included an interior and exterior paint job, installing new light fixtures, applying dry wall patches and repairing a storm door. Dennis Morgan, a Wichita County homeowner, said his brother was confined to a wheelchair and had difficulty entering and exiting his house until the Volunteer Home Repair Team made a much-appreciated adjustment. "The team painted the house, worked on my kitchen and built a wheelchair ramp for my brother. Now he can get around easier," he said. "My brother and I are so grateful to have had an excellent crew volunteer their time today." This was the 27th year for the program and the fourth year that Master Sgt. Jason Mitchell, a program team captain, has made efforts to give back to the local community. "Every year since I've been at Sheppard, I've volunteered for this because I like to help the community," he said. "I also do it because if I were on the receiving end, I would feel really good knowing that people were willing to help me out and to know that they cared that much." Sheppard volunteers worked 36 of the 39 homes selected for this year's event. Mark Masman, Christmas in Action president, estimated that 400 Sheppard personnel participated this year.