Team Sheppard member named North Texas Area United Way Volunteer of the Year Published Feb. 22, 2008 By George Woodward 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Master Sgt. Jeffery Pittman of the 361st Training Squadron, a key organizer of Sheppard's $350,000 Combined Federal Campaign for 2007, was named the North Texas Area United Way Volunteer of the Year Feb. 13. In addition to his role on Sheppard's CFC team, Pittman also served as an executive for the 2007 North Texas Area United Way Campaign, where he helped increase donations by $200,000. "He's just a joy to work with," said local United Way President Diana Phillips. "He approaches everything in a positive manner--and he just makes things happen." Pittman's volunteer work wasn't limited to large-scale campaigns. He also spent hundreds of hours throughout the year on smaller, more personal projects, ranging from calling bingo at the Texas Christian Care Center, to filling food baskets for the Salvation Army, to working with at-risk teens. And that's just outside Sheppard's gate--Pittman was just as active on base, helping the 361st raise $5,500 as the squadron's Christmas in Action leader and mentoring future senior NCOs. "Jeff is an amazing person who sets an example of service for us all," said 82nd Training Wing Vice Commander Col. Kris Beasley, who also serves as a United Way board member. "He epitomizes our ideal of Service Before Self." Though Pittman retired in January, he'll still be serving--he has been hired by the local United Way chapter, where he will continue making the Texoma community an even better place to live.