General Gould visits Sheppard

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tonnette Thompson
  • 82nd Training Wing, Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  "Where did this water originally come from?" the general asked, having just finished a toast, and holding the now-drained Styrofoam cup in his hand.

Various Airmen and civilians shot looks at each other before sidestepping the question with, "... all over."

Others who'd joined the toast glanced quizzically into their own cups as the general casually redirected the conversation back to his question. The tour guides reminded him the purification process he'd just witnessed produces potable water from all types of undrinkable sources.

"So it basically could have come from anywhere?" he concluded with raised eyebrows, as his fellow toasters jokingly complained of an oily taste in their mouths. Smiling cryptically, a small chorus of "Yes, sir" answered him.

So went the possible highlight of Maj. Gen. Michael Gould's tour of Sheppard Air Force Base on Feb. 16, visiting the 82nd Civil Engineer Squadron's water plant and personally operating the Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit that produced the water for his toast. The commander of the 2nd Air Force from Keesler AFB, Miss., paid Sheppard a visit to serve as guest speaker at the 82nd Training Wing's Annual Awards Banquet that night.

General Gould's windshield tour of Sheppard included a drive through Wherry Housing, with a briefing from 82nd Mission Support Group commander Col. Steven McKay on how the decrepit 1950-era homes will be torn down in favor of new, modernized houses that ultimately will result in less costs to the dwellers in comparison to off-base housing.

After the 82nd CES, the tour stopped at Bldg. 1065, the new, nearly completed F-22 training facility. There, 82nd Training Group equipment manager Rick Engle detailed the advantages and features of the building for both students and instructors alike, prompting General Gould to ask how many non-prior servicemembers versus cross-training Airmen would be taught there.

"It'll be all non-prior service, sir," answered Col. Gary Pond, the 982nd Training Group commander, accompanying General Gould on his tour. General Gould was also accompanied by 82nd Training Wing commander Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux. 

"We really enjoyed hosting Maj Gen Mike Gould and his wife Paula. They are huge fans of the 82 TRW and Sheppard, and were quite impressed by the enthusiasm and pride at our Annual Awards Banquet. The wing provided a great impression for our 2AF boss," said General Devereaux. 

General Gould's tour ended with a viewing of some of Sheppard's newest and oldest dormitories, Etchberger Hall and Cooper Hall. While the newer dorms feature identification card scanners, the older constructions boast mold and deteriorating infrastructure, purposely brought to the general's attention. 

However, those who must live in Cooper Hall will soon have the advantage of a built-in dining facility, "to offset having to settle for the older dorms," joked General Gould.

The general wasn't alone in his second visit to Sheppard as his wife, Paula, and 2nd AF Command Chief Chief Master Sgt. Jimmy Kelly Jr. joined him.