International race rides through Sheppard Published Sept. 1, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Candy Miller 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- About 2000 Sheppard members volunteered to provide rest stops, medical assistance, set-up and teardown support to make the largest international bicycle possible Aug. 29 during the Hotter N' Hell bike race. About 14,200 athletes participated in the race, breaking the records for the number of participants in the race and the number of volunteers from Sheppard. The race began in downtown Wichita Falls when 82nd Training Wing Commander Brig. Gen. O. G. Mannon fired the cannon and 80th Flying Training Wing aircraft provided a flyover. Thousands of cyclists passed through Sheppard on their route, entering through Missile Road Gate, passing a setup of static displays, a rest stop and Airmen-in-Training cheering them on to the finish line. "It's a great opportunity to show what Sheppard does to those who came through Sheppard," said General Mannon, who rode the 25-mile route in the race. "We're showing the taxpayers what their money is paying for." Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 82nd Training Wing Kenneth Sallinger said he participated with his family this year after seeing the event and witnessing the community's excitement last year. "This is America's Air Force base and they have the opportunity to see the inner workings of what we have to offer," he said. "It's encouraging for people to know they can have confidence in the Air Force." The chief said his favorite part of the event was seeing the combined efforts come together and share with others what Wichita Falls and Sheppard are all about. Not only did Sheppard members enjoy participating, people like Paul Pinsukanjana, a roller blader out of Dallas, said Sheppard was their favorite part of HHH. "My group and I have been coming for the past five years," Mr. Pinsukanjana. "It's a great event and you can tell there is a lot of support from Sheppard. Sheppard rocks, you guys are the bomb!" He said it's not common for civilians to see the inside of a military installation and it gives him a boost of confidence in the military. Airman Jessica McArthur, a volunteer from the 82nd Medical Operations Squadron, said she was glad she could do her part to show the Sheppard mission to the cyclists. "I want to represent Sheppard for the community," she said. "And I want them to know I'm here to support them. Airman McArthur said she cares about the community and loves that Sheppard is so involved. It gives her the opportunity to feel like she's making a difference, she said. "I think they like that Sheppard has provided medical support, as well as other support," she said. "Even if nobody gets injured, they have a sense of security knowing that the medical tent is here."