Local community shows support with 5th Annual Dove Hunt Published Sept. 8, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Matthew Varga 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Members of Team Sheppard and the local community met Sept. 5 for the 5th Annual Clay County Dove Salute to the Military in Henrietta, Texas. More than 170 Sheppard Airmen attended the hunt. "It is our way to say thank you to the military," said Deborah Clark, one of the event's hosts. "Since we started five years ago, it has just grown and grown." Emry Birdwell and his wife, Mrs. Clark, moved to the area about five years ago. When they arrived, Mr. Birdwell was determined to do something for the Airmen at Sheppard, to give back after so much had been given, Mrs. Clark said. Mr. Birdwell is not alone in his endeavor. About 50 members of the Clay County community rallied around Mr. Birdwell and have shown their appreciation by loaning shotguns, giving ammunition and providing food and time for the hunt. Sam Wolfe came to volunteer his time by giving a safety briefing about proper handling of a firearm and the dangers that can be encountered while hunting. Brig. Gen. O.G. Mannon, 82nd Training Wing commander, said he was overwhelmed by the support. "Their hearts are bigger than Texas. You can't buy this kind of support. It is a lot of work, but they make sure they do it up right. How could it be any better?" he said. "This event is absolutely great, superb. It is great to get a bunch of guys out here hunting who have never been before. It is a great start to our young Airmen's Air Force career, too." Guides from the area took all the hunters out to the hunting fields and then returned with their prize around dusk of a steak dinner cooked on a 20-foot grill. The dinner and beverages were all donated by members of the Clay County community. "It is a great way to interact with the community, and it shows the military members that there is overwhelming support from the community," said Tech. Sgt. Franklin Hunt, 82nd TRW command chief executive NCO. Mrs. Clark said that they definitely plan on continuing the event for years to come. "As long as there are Airmen at Sheppard, we want to continue to hold this event," she said.