Airmen volunteer at Lake Texoma

Published June 24, 2009
By Airman Adawn Kelsey
82 Training Wing Public Affairs

SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Volunteers from Sheppard rolled up their sleeves June 11 to put a flood-ravaged portion of Lake Texoma back together.

"We did a lot of hard work and I got attacked by ants and mosquitoes, but we had fun while doing it. It was a great experience and it felt good to give back and help out," Airman 1st Class Lany White 459th Flying Training Squadron systems administrator.

Severe storms in previous weeks caused flood and other damage that forced the Sheppard Annex to temporarily close.

"I opened the opportunity up to the whole base and the first 20 Airmen to volunteer were chosen to go," said Master Sgt. John Myers, 82nd Force Support Squadron first sergeant.
Sergeant Myers and the 20 Airmen did a lot more than just a friendly environmental deed that Thursday.

"The Airman picked up more than 200,000 pounds of debris from the floods that came through weeks before. They also saved $20,000 by volunteering instead of letting a service come in and pick up. Lastly, Lake Texoma was not only put back on track to open on schedule but opened a week early," Sergeant Myers said.

He also said the Airman really demonstrated service before self that day working until 2 p.m. picking up all the debris.

"Volunteering for a few hours demonstrated service before self and how giving a little might end up having a big impact. If everyone can give a little and people you don't even know can benefit from it, I think that is the real spirit volunteerism," Sergeant Myers said.