Sheppard celebrates Mardi Gras Published March 6, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Airmen were treated to a tasty gathering and spectacle as a Mardi Gras celebration kicked off at the Solid Rock Café March 4 on base. In French, 'Mardi Gras' means 'Fat Tuesday' because it falls on the day prior to Ash Wednesday, the last day before Lent, which is a season of Roman Catholic and certain Protestant denominations praying and fasting until Easter Sunday. Capt. Matthew Clouse, 82nd Training Wing chaplain, wanted the event to serve as a place for others to kick back and relax. "Sometimes you need to be people and take the uniform off," he said. "You need a place where you can be a family regardless of rank." DJ booths boomed as flashing lights ran across the floor and children with parents in tow went from room to room to learn about Mardi Gras . "It's a great opportunity for spiritual education that the kids can learn and a lot of fun," Clouse said. "There's a church history in it and I think we're recreating that history by hosting family events." The main attraction of the entire event, the food, drew hungry mouths and nods of approval as the smell of steaming hot dishes of food wafted throughout the area. "There's a lot of smiles here....... A lot of playfulness. That matters," Clouse said. Capt. Kristin Swenson, 82nd Training Wing chaplain wanted the Sheppard community to embrace their spirituality and happiness. "It's an opportunity to bring people together for fellowship and fun," she said. "It helps encourage them to live a fuller life."