CE, Services bring life back to flood-ravaged Sheppard Annex

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tonnette Thompson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  A team from the 82nd Civil Engineer Squadron and 82nd Services Division spent Oct. 1-4 bringing life back to the Sheppard Annex at Lake Texoma. 

But it wasn't just structures, electricity and plumbing getting worked on at the flood-ravaged site - the group also worked on team building and cultivating stronger relationships. 

Maj. Larry Harris, commander of the 82nd CES Operation Flight, said the work at the annex provided valuable experience for the team of engineers that they might not have received at Sheppard. He said the recovery effort was just the beginning for the Sheppard Annex. 

"A little flood water cannot stop determined civil engineers," the major said. "This is just the beginning. I have big plans to turn Lake Texoma into a premier recreational get-away." 

The purpose of the weeklong work detail was to make the annex usable again for Sheppard personnel. The team of carpenters, electricians, plumbers was tasked with renovating two of the restroom buildings and boathouse, repairing several barbecue pavilions and even erecting an entirely new large group pavilion from the ground up. 

"We've been out since Monday, working 8-hour shifts. There was so much that needed to be done," said Master Sgt. David Ortiz, chief of heavy repair for the 82nd CES and project leader. 

While the plumbers installed two water heaters, the electricians restored power to the boathouse, restrooms and RV parking lot. The carpenters had arguably the biggest job, charged with installing insulation, sheetrock, new doors, new fences and even new roofs for both restrooms, as well as the work on all the pavilions. 

Fuels personnel were also called out to route fuel lines to the boathouse, and the guys from heavy equipment had the early job of leveling the gravel roads. 

Many times, the amount of carpentry work combined with the time crunch resulted in several Airmen "crossing over," helping the carpenters any way they could once their own work was done. 

"I was up there with those guys, putting down shingles, watching them draw on the roof with chalk to figure out how they're supposed to lay," said Airman 1st Class Zandra Mackrael, an entomologist. 

When not dislodging wasp nests from the restrooms' frames, Airman Mackrael also assisted in the pavilion upgrades and fencing and door installation. 

"I'll never be able to come out here again without looking at all the stuff I did," she said. "I'm going to bring my husband up here one weekend, and point it all out." 

Once each workday ended, the Airmen would call it a night at the Annex's cabins, courtesy of the 82nd Services Squadron. At the convenience of the Airmen, the lounge was also open into the wee hours, a portable grill was made available for their cookout Wednesday night, and iced water was regularly shuttled out to the Airmen as they worked. 

As the cabins offered little in the way of cable TV, the Airmen usually whiled away the time socializing amongst each other. 

"We'd sit up at night talking, when we weren't dead tired from work," said Airman Pamela Matthews, a carpenter in the squadron. "It was nice, getting to know the guys from other shops by hanging out with them and working with them." 

Like Airman Matthews, James Trout, the lead carpenter on the project, agreed that the interactions among the Airmen helped with the project's outcome. 

"These guys were awesome," he said. "There was great cohesion and camaraderie. They were willing to learn different career fields. I couldn't have asked for a better group to listen and learn." 

The need for Lake Texoma's facelift came due to the lake's flooding during North Texas's recent rainy season. For several days various structures remained underwater, some completely destroyed, others in need of serious repair. 

"CE was called out to evaluate the buildings, see what needed to be brought up to code before we could re-open," said Ernie Mills, manager of the Sheppard Recreation Annex at Lake Texoma. While the RV and tent areas suffered serious damage, crucial necessities like bathroom facilities and electrical capabilities were all but beyond repair. 

Even though a paint job for the facilities is slated for the upcoming week, Mr. Mills already marvels at all the 82nd CES has accomplished. 

"They did an outstanding job. I have nothing but praise for them," he said.