Military SUpport

A strong partnership between Sheppard Air Force Base and the community benefits the Wichita Falls region.

Sheppard Air Force Base (SAFB) has positioned Wichita Falls as a center of aviation and aerospace excellence since its activation in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The jobs, tax revenue and contribution to national security provided by Sheppard Air Force Base are greatly valued by our community. The Wichita Falls Chamber partners with community organizations and local businesses to cultivate a reciprocal relationship in appreciation.

Our Services

Endorse Base Engagement: Bridge the gap between Sheppard Air Force Base and the community.
Cultivate Local Business Connections: Grow base contractors in the community.
Assist With Relocation: Support military families through engagement activities and workforce.
Make Employment Referrals: Ease the transition from active duty and relocated family members to the community by sharing employment opportunities.
Ensure Base Impact: Retain the base and its affiliates and seek new missions for Sheppard Air Force Base.
Promote Military Discounts: Provide a central communications platform for those offering discounted services or products to our military affiliates.

Military Economic Impact on Wichita Falls

  • Sheppard Air Force Base is the largest, most diverse training base in Air Education and Training Command, training 60,000 students annually.
  • The Base is home to two wings: the 82nd Training Wing (TRW), the host wing, and the 80th Flying Training Wing (FTW).
  • The 82nd TRW provides technical training in aircraft maintenance, civil engineering, logistics, ordinance disposal and communications.
  • The 80th FTW hosts the Euro-Nato Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program, which trains pilots from 14 countries.
  • Sheppard Air Force Base is the only U.S. Air Force flight training base to host a civilian municipal airport.

Military Programs

The role of the Wichita Falls Chamber includes bridging the gap between Sheppard Air Force Base and the community, supporting military families in all stages of life and retaining the base and its affiliates. Between programs for employment, community connection, military discounts, resources, advocacy and more, the Chamber is answering the call to best serve our military affiliates now and in the future.

Military Roundtable

Quarterly meetings, called Military Roundtable, are held for Sheppard Air Force Base leadership and key community stakeholders regarding active duty, guard/reserve, veterans and their families.

Military Friendly Sticker Program

This military friendly decal program and online listing for business organizations and individuals is designed to say thank you to local military members and their families and foster a community of support.

Hidden Gems

Quarterly in-person workshops for military families to welcome them to Wichita Falls and provide exposure to valuable community resources and assets. Join the email list today.

Jobs Board

The Wichita Falls Chamber Jobs Board continually posts local employment opportunities shared by our local employers and businesses.

Employment Advocacy

Communication on the benefits of hiring military affiliates as a unique talent pipeline is shared back and forth between local employers and spouses through events held by the Sheppard Military Spouse Professional Network and Sheppard Military & Family Readiness Center.

Thrive Guide: Wichita Falls & Sheppard Air Force Base

This Thrive Guide serves as a comprehensive resource specifically tailored to support military families in the local community of Wichita Falls and at Sheppard Air Force Base, providing resources in the areas of childcare, education, healthcare, housing and spouse employment, in alignment with the Five and Thrive initiative addressing key quality of life issues for military families.

Sheppard Home Away From Home

The Sheppard Home Away From Home Program (SHAFH) is an airman sponsorship program that pairs first-term Airmen with local host families! First-term Airmen are new to the Air Force, Sheppard AFB, and the Wichita Falls and surrounding area. By pairing them with a local host family it provides them an opportunity to connect to the community, spend time off base, or simply have a home cooked meal.

Families who agree to host an Airman will benefit from an increased understanding of military and life and joy in knowing that you are a making a positive difference in the lives of these young Airmen. If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact Lisa.

Sheppard Military Spouse Employment Network

This exclusive, free forum for professional development, community support, information sharing and networking addresses the unique challenges faced by military spouses.

Military Resources

Numerous resources recognize the service and sacrifice of our military members and their families by dedicating services and programs tailored to their specific needs. Contact our Military Team to draw on their expertise to facilitate introductions and support you along the way.

Five & Thrive, a resource focusing on five quality of life issues that directly impact military families — housing, childcare, education, healthcare and spouse employment — is available online. This initiative provides resources and best practices related to each area and ideas for how communities can partner together to strengthen these areas. Part of this initiative, the Thrive Guide is a guide designed by spouses for spouses, which serves as a resource for Air and Space Force spouses at all levels.

The Wichita Falls Chamber provides oversight for this Facebook group.
This Facebook page is meant to be a place where Sheppard military spouses can feel safe and be vulnerable. It is not for advertisements in the form of blogs, articles or resource lists; recruitment for multi-level marketing, direct sales or consulting roles that require a buy-in fee; recruiters; nor a marketing channel for career-coaching services or other types of services that charge a fee.
All communication in this Facebook group must be professional, respectful and courteous.
Request to join the Facebook Group.

Transitioning military members have an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the civilian sector by participating in specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of their service.
For service members, DOD SkillBridge provides an invaluable chance to work and learn in civilian career areas. For industry partners, DOD SkillBridge is an opportunity to access and leverage the world’s most highly trained and motivated workforce at no cost. Service members participating in DOD SkillBridge programs continue receiving their military compensation and benefits, while industry partners provide civilian training and work experience.
• Learn more about DOD SkillBridge.
• Information about DOD SkillBridge for military members.
• Information about DOD SkillBridge for industry partners.

The MSU Texas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a subcenter assigned to the Northwest Texas Small Business (NWTSBDC) program. The (SBDC) program consists of over 1,000 offices within the continental U.S., Puerto Rico, Alaska and Hawaii. The SBDC is a partnership program with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The professional staff at the MSU Texas SBDC is highly trained and willing to provide quality service and assistance to business owners and potential entrepreneurs. Training is offered through the SBDC on a scheduled basis and by specific request.

Visit America’s SBDC at MSU Texas website.

This list of local resources for military affiliates in need of mental health support, at risk of being homeless, employment assistance and more can give support when you need it most. The Information compiled is courtesy of the Veteran’s Coalition managed by Catholic Charities.

Download a copy of Local Military Resources now.

Looking to get your business better connected to affiliates of Sheppard Air Force Base? Check out this list of local advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
Download this list of military-friendly local advertising and sponsorship opportunities.

SHEPPARD AIR  FORCE  BASE