BCI Golf Tournament bolsters community relations

  • Published
  • By Victoria Brayton
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sheppard members and leaders from the local community teed off today amidst strong winds and cloudy skies for the 37th Annual Board of Commerce and Industry/Sheppard Air Force Base Golf Tournament.

Traveling in groups of four, this best-ball tournament gave participants a fun day to relax and meet new people from various establishments.

Joey Greenwood, a representative from Midwestern State University, said he returned for his second year because of the social aspect.

"It's a good public relations thing for us - coming out and visiting the local businesses," he said.

Col. James King, commander of the 82nd Medical Group, commented on his first-time participation in the tournament.

"It's great playing with the BCI members and the community folks that are here," he said, adding that he plans to come back next year.

Although the groups compete with each other, the ultimate goal is to have a good time.

"Rule number one is 'have fun,'" said Wayne Lewis, a contractor with Lier Siegler Industries.

He said he has played in the tournament every year and has seen Sheppard's relations with the community improve.

"When I got here in the '60s it wasn't that good," Mr. Lewis said. "Now it's as good as it's ever been."

Aside from enjoying the camaraderie between community and base members, Mr. Greenwood also gave his kudos to Sheppard's course.

"With all the rain we've had, the course is in fantastic shape," he said.

Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux, 82nd Training Wing commander, highlighted the importance of the tournament to Sheppard and the surrounding community.

"This event is just a great, fun outing and it's a good way to build relations with our local community and it gives a chance for our active-duty Airmen on the base to have fun and meet downtown community leaders," he said.

Laughing before joining his team to putt, General Devereaux joked about his personal experience playing golf.

"Just because you have good hand-eye coordination as a pilot doesn't mean it translates into golf skills," he said, smiling.