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About Us

Who Are We?

Several home run hitters from throughout North Texas comprise the Sheppard Military Affairs Committee (SMAC). From its beginnings as a military affairs committee within the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the SMAC has grown to an independent, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization consisting of and supported by civic leaders and elected officials from North Texas. Additionally, these patriotic Texans are unified in their unwavering support of Sheppard Air Force Base and a strong national defense. The SMAC functions as the area focal point for support of Sheppard Air Force Base. This regional approach is the best way to enhance, protect, and grow the military presence in the North Texas area.

VISION

“To be the premiere community-based military relations organization of all communities in Air Education and Training Command.”

MISSION STATEMENT

Ø To maintain and promote community-wide support that has been the basis for Sheppard Air Force Base’s existence in Wichita County since 1941

Ø To strengthen Sheppard and area community relationships by seeking opportunities for businesses, organizations, and individuals to become more involved

Ø To seek ways to match local government, civic, and educational resources with those at Sheppard and the Air Education and Training Command to maintain current missions and promote additional opportunities for growth and new missions

Ø To position the area’s resources to maintain and improve Sheppard Air Force Base’s military value by promoting an exemplary military/community partnership

Military & Communities

The Military and the North Texas Communities

Members of the services are an integral part of the North Texas area. Sheppard Air Force Base is home to the 82^nd Training Wing and the 80^th Flying Training Wing. Sheppard AFB is the most diverse technical training wing in Air Education and Training Command. Units at Sheppard conduct resident training at Sheppard in such diverse areas as pilot training, aircraft maintenance, civil engineering, communications, fuels, and medical specialties. The 80^th Flying Training Wing conducts the Euro-NATO Joint Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT). A unique program, ENJJPT provides fighter-oriented pilot training for the NATO nations.

The military is the largest economic engine in the greater Wichita Falls area, with an estimated economic impact of more than $885 million per year based on a 2006 economic summary by the Air Force. Sheppard AFB employs over 12,000 military/federal employees and contractor employees. Additionally, almost 4, 000 military retirees reside within a 50 mile radius of Sheppard AFB. Given the magnitude of these numbers, virtually every North Texas business is positively impacted by the military presence.

Beyond the economic impact, the service members stationed at Sheppard have integrated themselves into the area communities. Volunteers from Sheppard work side-by-side with other area residents to make a better life for all. Sheppard volunteers can be seen supporting Habitat for Humanity, Partners in Education, Falls Fest, and the Humane Society to name just a few. Virtually every activity in the area has at least one service member from Sheppard involved.

BRAC

Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)

Background

The Base Realignment and Closure process was established by Congress to overcome self-interest barriers to the legislative review process. The first BRAC round occurred in 1988. Four rounds of BRAC were authorized. Additional rounds were completed in 1993 and 1995. In the first three BRAC rounds, 97 major bases closed or realigned and over 450 major/minor installation actions were directed.

Sheppard Air Force Base, through the first three rounds of BRAC, realized an upsurge in training programs. The bulk of the new programs were transferred to Sheppard AFB from Chanute AFB in Rantoul, IL and Lowry AFB in Denver, CO.

November 2005

Base Realignment and Closure

Accepted into Law

The 2005 Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission, commonly referred to as BRAC 2005, ordered 22 installations closed. With the BRAC 2005 recommendations enacted into law, implementation efforts are under way. The original projections reflect the State of Texas having a net gain of personnel.

The final 2005 BRAC Commission report is available at: http://www.defenselink.mil/brac/

Sheppard Air Force Base

As a result of the 2005 BRAC Commission, the 882^nd Training Group will move from Sheppard AFB to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. The final numbers of personnel leaving, to include students, and timeline remain to be determined. The 80^th Flying Training Wing will experience a small plus up with an increased capability in the Wing’s Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals course. Under the BRAC 2005 law, all moves are to be completed in 2011.