Sheppard volunteers clean up Lake Texoma annex

  • Published
  • By Michael Reese
  • 82nd Mission Support Squadron
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Despite massive flooding recently in many parts of North Texas, a group of volunteers from Sheppard joined hands to clean up the Sheppard Recreation Annex at Lake Texoma.

About 40 volunteers from various organizations took time away from their day-to-day jobs and families Aug. 23-24 to pick up storm debris, clean facilities and restore the annex known to some as "home away from home." Although temperatures eventually soared into the mid 90's, this did not stop the all-volunteer crews from bringing life back to the devastated area.

Darren Mackjust, chief of Services Logistics, said Lake Texoma had reached record levels due to the flooding.

"One week ago, you couldn't even get up here," he said, add that the water levels were still too high. "This is the first official clean up."

Most volunteers like Capt. Melissa Ziarnich from the 82nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron and Airman 1st Class Jamie Neppl from the 82nd Training Wing Safety Office heard about the cleanup efforts through e-mail or word of mouth. Regardless of how volunteers heard about the cleanup, the participation was well received and much appreciated by the staff of the annex.

But, it wasn't just the staff that was thankful of the crews. Longtime visitors of the annex, like Richard Lukowsky, an instructor at the 360th Training Squadron, said it's more than just cleaning up after the flood - it's about getting it ready for others to use.

"This is a great place to open up, relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life," he said.

Although the Sheppard Annex may appear to be in a temporary state of disarray, progress is being made. Civilian staff, active duty, retirees and many others should be commended for their efforts.

"I'm pleased and thankful with our volunteers," said Cindy Perpich, community support flight chief, adding that 40 volunteer's equals 500 to her. "I'm happy to have my staff back up and running."

Now that cleanup efforts have begun, there's still time to take a break, relax, have fun or spend time with family at the Sheppard Annex at Lake Texoma.