Welcome back Sheppard Published Jan. 4, 2007 By Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux 82nd Training Wing commander SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Exodus is over, our people our back, jets are flying and Team Sheppard is back in action after a well-deserved holiday break. Although the time off and quiet provided us all an opportunity to recharge our batteries, I've got to admit that Sheppard didn't look quite right over the past two weeks. Without Airmen-in-training marching in formation or T-37s and T-38s flying in formation overhead, we looked like a mothballed base, a base without a mission. As I look out the window this morning, it's great to see the transformation underway to a team in action with our mission being executed. I'm going to start this New Year talking about a topic that I ended last year with - Safety! We put a lot of leadership emphasis to help make this the safest possible holiday break period. And I'm very happy to report that you listened! All the early indicators are confirming that we had a very safe Exodus. Over the past two weeks not a single serious accident or mishap was reported either here at Sheppard or back "home on leave." Also, not a single DUI was reported among our DUI prevention target population - permanent party and pipeline trainees. And finally, we only experienced two alcohol-related incidents of any kind over the past two weeks, none of which resulted in an accident or injury. So thanks Team Sheppard for answering our most fervent wish for the New Year - that all of you would return safe and sound, ready to rejoin the world's finest training team! That wasn't a given, and didn't happen by accident - thanks for paying attention and keeping you and your families safe over the holidays. We've got a big year ahead of us, filled with challenge, but my priorities for Sheppard won't be changing a bit. We'll still work hard to keep us "technically the best" at our training mission, ensure "fantastic first impressions" for our Airmen, civilians and their families, and provide a safe, secure, supportive environment for our people. Happy New Year Team Sheppard, and welcome back!