SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – A Wichita Falls couple was inducted into the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program Hall of Fame here June 15, 2020, adding to the list of area residents who have gone above and beyond to support the multi-national program.
Glenn and Mary Lynne Barham were honored during a virtual ceremony online.
“There are a lot of people out there that do a lot of things for both wings, and Mary Lynne and I are truly humbled,” Glenn Barham said. “The ENJJPT program is unique, and we need to do everything we can to keep you guys right here where you are. Thank you to the wing for bestowing this honor on Mary Lynne and I.”
Col. Russell Driggers, 80th FTW commander, said the Barhams are deserving of the honor.
“Glenn and his wife, Mary Lynne, provided consistent and engaged support for [ENJJPT],” he said. “From organizing support for air shows, Steering Committee dinners, icebreakers and social events, Glenn and Mary Lynne’s presence and unwavering support for [ENJJPT] has been truly remarkable.”
It has been roughly three years since the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program inducted its last members into the ENJJPT Hall of Fame.
Barham has been a staunch supporter of Sheppard AFB and ENJJPT, as was seen during his time as mayor and a city councilor of Wichita Falls. His efforts continued when he became the president of the Sheppard Military Affairs Committee.
Barham has been a vocal advocate for Sheppard both locally, in Austin and in Washington, D.C.
A specific project in which Glenn Barham played an instrumental role was in securing state funding to address significant force protection concerns. This started the project to remodel the installation’s main gate, which will provide better security and deterrence, as well as a great first impression at the “front door” of Sheppard.
Glenn Barham’s support showed the most, though, when he played a key role at the Texas Legislature during an effort to protect the installation from encroachment and ensure the safety of ENJJPT pilots. His testimony in 2017 was part of a push for a bill that changed Texas Tax Code to prohibit wind farm owners from receiving a property tax abatement if their wind turbines were located within 25 nautical miles or less from military aviation facilities located in Texas.
The ENJJPT Hall of Fame was established in 1993 to honor men and women in the local community for their outstanding support to the program. The award is presented by the 80th Flying Training Wing commander before they depart their assignment at Sheppard AFB.