Team Sheppard member aims high with AF Skeet Team

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Jacob Corbin
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  In most people's eyes a friendly shooting competition between the military services would undoubtedly result in a win for the Army or Marines - however, ten of the best skeet-shooting, warrior-Airmen proved that notion wrong, including one of Team Sheppard's own.

The Air Force Skeet Team One took first place in the military division of the 2007 World Skeet Championships, held Oct. 3-13, in all categories, and Air Force Team Two took second in a number of categories.

Lt. Col. Rick Davis, 88th Fighter Training Squadron commander and member of Air Force Team One, recently returned to Sheppard after being a part of the well-deserved win in San Antonio, Texas.

"I feel very fortunate to be on (team one) shooting with some of the best," Colonel Davis said.

While Colonel Davis was raised around skeet shooting, both his parents were shooters, it wasn't until his first assignment here at Sheppard in 1984 that he began shooting as a hobby. He said it was easy since the skeet shooting range was in the same place as today - right across from the 80th Flying Training Wing's facilities.

After leaving Sheppard, the colonel said his shooting dropped off, but he eventually picked the sport back up after returning to Sheppard for this assignment. Colonel Davis said his son also enjoys skeet shooting, and the two do it together. Though, one seems to be better at it than the other.

"(His son) wants to do what dad does, and he does it better than dad," Colonel Davis said.

The colonel's son, Brian Davis, is a skilled shooter. He is the current Texas State Skeet Shooting champion in the 12 gauge, the youngest ever.

Colonel Davis said he enjoys skeet shooting, in addition to spending time with his son, mainly because of being a fighter pilot -he enjoys knocking things out the air.

The colonel isn't the only skeet shooter who feels that way. Military skeet shooting actually began in World War II when turret gunners were sent out to practice their target leading, he said.

He was asked to be on the Air Force Skeet Team last year, based on his average shooting record with the National Skeet Shooting Association. The Air Force team captain reviews the scores in the military division and extends invitations to the team.

Colonel Davis said he enjoys being on the team for two reasons, the camaraderie and a chance to further improve his skills.

He said his teammates are some of the best in the world, and are continuing to help him improve.

The colonel said usually when someone is having issues with skeet shooting, it's the fundamentals. Luckily for him, he said, his teammates have been skeet shooting for years and are great teachers.

The Air Force Skeet Team meets twice a year for competitions, but its members practice on their own and sometimes meet unofficially. Colonel Davis said he shoots as much as he can, depending on when the ranges are open, which is usually three times a week.

Colonel Davis thanked Air Force Services for their continued support of the team. He also said the team is a great recruiting tool to help generate interest in the Air Force among young shooters.

The colonel said he expects to be skeet shooting until he retires, and hopes to remain a member of the team as well.

"As long as my averages stay up, and if they need me, (I'll stay on the team)," he said.

For more information on the Air Force Skeet Team visit the Air Force Sports website at http://www.usafsports.com/default.htm.