Next week -Your chance to make a Fantastic First Impression Published Aug. 16, 2007 By Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux 82nd Training Wing commander SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Next week is a busy week for our base. Beginning Monday we'll be assessed by a visiting Environmental Safety Occupational Health Compliance Assessment Management Program (ESOHCAMP) team led by Col Eric Wilbur from Lackland AFB. Tuesday is our base cleanup day. Wednesday, Maj Gen Gould, our 2 AF/CC, and his wife Paula, arrive at Sheppard for their annual visit. And finally, on Saturday, we'll be hosting thousands of bicycle riders as they transit the base during Wichita Falls annual Hotter 'N Hell Hundred bicycle ride. All four of these events will be a challenge. But they also each present an opportunity--an opportunity to make a fantastic first impression for Sheppard and our Air Force. The ESOHCAMP inspection will give us the opportunity to show that we're being good stewards of our environment, efficiently and safely disposing and/or recycling the many products we use on the base. To continue to do our mission we need to remain in compliance with federal, state, and DoD environmental laws and policies. We've got a great environmental program at Sheppard led by Mr. Wayne Fowler and Mr. Mark McBurnett from the 82 CES--let's be sure the inspectors get the right impression of our program. We'll get a great rating next week as long as everyone pitches in, uses their recycle bins, and avoids the improper disposal of hazardous materials. On Tuesday, I'd like many of us outdoors doing a bit of late Summer cleanup of our base. Picking up, trimming, up, sweeping up, etc. etc. will be the emphasis. Be sure to get out there and do your part. That cleanup will help ensure our base is ready for the annual visit of Maj Gen and Mrs. Gould from Wednesday through Sunday. We'll be showcasing our base and mission to our 2 AF boss--please do your part to ensure your facilities and people are ready to put their best foot forward for this visit. Sheppard is by far the biggest Tech Training operation in 2AF--let's show him we're the best. Finally, we'll end the week hosting a segment of the Hotter 'N Hell Bicycle ride/race. I want to thank in advance the hundreds of volunteers who have come forward to assist with our on-base rest stop and ensure the route looks good for the thousands of visitors who will be participating. The route will enter the base at the Missile Rd Gate and will transit Avenue G before exiting at the Main Gate with a rest stop at the Pitsenbarger Gym. What a great opportunity to showcase the Air Force's biggest and best training operation to thousands of visitors during the 60th birthday of our Service! Four big events, four big opportunities to make a great impression on inspectors, DVs, and the American public. Let's make the most of it, and be sure to do your part to ensure our base is ready. Thanks Team!