Sheppard answers call to ice-stricken Texoma Published Feb. 3, 2010 By John Ingle 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- When hundreds of area residents were affected by the recent winter storms Jan. 28, Sheppard Air Force Base answered the calls for help with personnel, equipment and lodging. A 200 kilowatt generator was sent to Electra, a town just 25 miles west of Sheppard, when severe ice storms caused power lines to topple under the extreme weight. Two Airmen from the 782nd Training Group's power production course are at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., assisting in the base's efforts to get power restored to the installation. Sheppard is also housing about 70 military-affiliated people -- mostly dependents -- in available billeting units at the Sheppard Inn base hotel. Despite the base going through an important Air Education and Training Command inspection, Brig. Gen. O.G. Mannon, 82nd Training Wing commander, said it's important to support local communities and other military installations when natural disasters strike. "These are our friends and members of our Air Force family who have been affected by last week's winter storm," the general said. "We will continue to provide as much support as possible to ensure their safety and comfort needs are met." While a Sheppard generator helps supply power to a shelter in Electra, Tech. Sgt. Esaa Ali and Staff Sgt. David King, 366th Training Squadron power production instructors, volunteered to leave Sheppard Jan. 31 to get Altus AFB powered up again when roads began to clear. The two have been working 12 hour shifts, on the Altus AFB generators. Although the roads are clearing up there are still trees that had collapsed on power lines that need to be removed. There is no definite answer when the two sergeants will return. Altus AFB is also coordinating with Lackland and Dyess AFBs, Texas, and Vance AFB, Okla., to provide relief with personnel and equipment to include diesel generators, bucket lifts and line trucks.