Mass exodus ushers in holiday season Published Dec. 21, 2007 By John Ingle 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The annual mass exodus of Sheppard Airmen in Training began at midnight Dec. 21, signifying a break in training and the beginning of the holiday season. About 2,500 Airmen departed via buses, shuttles and even limousines headed for three separate airports in the North Texas and Central Oklahoma areas. Departures from Sheppard's Community Center and Solid Rock Café continued until the final bus departed at about 11:30 a.m. "It feels different. It feels weird," said Airman Cody Sinclair, an 18-year-old native of Albuquerque, N.M., and recent graduate of basic military training. Nonetheless, the crew chief apprentice student in the 360th Training Squadron said he is ready for the break and the opportunity to visit with his family. Click here to hear more from Airman Sinclair For Airman Sheena Olaes, a 383rd Training Squadron Aerospace Medicine Apprentice AiT, said she's looking forward to seeing her family for the first time in about five months. "(My) mom, dad and baby sister. My 16-year-old sister," the 23-year-old Virginia Beach, Va., native said. "She's my heart." Click here to see what else Airman Olaes is looking forward to during the break As most military planners know, a large troop movement such as this doesn't just happen. The behind the scenes work of organizers and volunteers is what Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux, 82nd Training Wing commander, said made the early-morning mass departure successful. "This is a real Team Sheppard mission of love tonight," the general said, adding that the efforts of more than 30 volunteers who handed out cookies, steered Airmen through the correct lines and passed on holiday wishes was the true part of the success story. " The general said the holiday exodus provides more opportunities for Airmen other than having some down time. It's also an opportunity for them to help tell the Air Force story. Click here to find out more about the importance of telling the Air Force story Airman 1st Class Matt Hawley, 23, said his story begins with the day he began basic training - Sept. 11. He said it was an honor to be part of one of the largest groups from the Indianapolis Military Entrance Processing Station departing for service in the armed forces. The Morristown, Ind., native said he would be proud to share why he enlisted in the Air Force and is looking forward to serving as a fighter crew chief. "(I was looking) for a new experience and to do something different," he said. "Try to find a new destiny." Airmen Sinclair and Olaes agreed that there story is about being in the world's most powerful air force that is dominant in the air, space and cyberspace. Even though they haven't reached the operational Air Force yet, the young Airmen conveyed confidence and pride in knowing what they're mission will be. Even as simple as it may seem, Airman Olaes' summation of her piece of the puzzle is just as telling as a long briefing on her future career. "I would tell them that as a medic, I save lives," she said. Although Sheppard's AiTs were looking forward to reconnecting with family and friends during their much anticipated break, General Devereaux said any activities should always be approached with the proper level of caution and safety. Click here to view the general's message regarding safety Training at Sheppard will resume Jan. 3.