The Future of Sheppard Air Force Base: A Conversation with Glenn Barham
The future of Sheppard Air Force Base is critical to the economic and strategic fabric of Wichita Falls. As a local realtor and community member, I strive to connect people with Wichita Falls, which has been significantly influenced by Sheppard Air Force Base.
In this week’s episode of The Falls Home Front Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Glenn Barham, the President and CEO of the Sheppard Military Affairs Committee (SMAC). Glenn shared his insights on the critical role Sheppard plays in our community and how SMAC works tirelessly to protect its future.
In case you missed the episode, I’d like to share some of the key takeaways with you, particularly how Sheppard impacts the Wichita Falls economy, community, and even international relationships.
A Strong Foundation: Glenn Barham’s Leadership
When Glenn Barham took the helm at SMAC, he wasn’t just stepping into a new role—he was taking responsibility for the future of Sheppard Air Force Base and, by extension, Wichita Falls. Glenn’s leadership background, having served in law enforcement and local government, provided him with the perfect skill set for this challenge.
Though Glenn initially felt reluctant to take the position due to his lack of military experience, he quickly realized the importance of his role. As he put it, “Without Sheppard, our city would look entirely different.” Under his leadership, SMAC has become a powerhouse of advocacy for the base, working tirelessly at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure Sheppard’s future.
The Role of SMAC: Protecting Sheppard’s Future
SMAC was born out of necessity in 2006, following a significant blow to Sheppard Air Force Base during the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. When critical medical functions were moved from Sheppard AFB, the community rallied to ensure the base’s future. Glenn shared how the base’s loss of medical training in 2005 sparked the formation of SMAC, a group focused on political advocacy and community engagement to protect Sheppard’s presence in Wichita Falls.
As Glenn highlighted, “We are Sheppard’s political arm, working to ensure its mission and presence remain strong.” From regular visits to the Pentagon to keeping open channels with congressional delegations, SMAC is always working to protect the future of the base, particularly as new defense challenges emerge.
Sheppard’s Impact on the Local Economy and Real Estate Market
Sheppard Air Force Base is far more than a military training hub—it’s a driving force behind Wichita Falls’ economy. Glenn shared some staggering statistics:
- Sheppard contributes 39% of our local economy.
- The base hosts two critical training wings: the 82nd Training Wing and the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program.
- The Euro-NATO program brings 14 NATO countries together, training pilots from across Europe and beyond. This international presence adds a unique flavor to our community and fosters long-lasting relationships among nations.
The presence of Sheppard base positively impacts the Wichita Falls real estate market by creating consistent housing demand for military families and professionals. This leads to stable property values and a reliable rental market, making homes in the area highly sought after and the market more resilient to fluctuations.
Glenn pointed out that if either of the major training programs at Sheppard AFB were to leave, it would result in a devastating impact on the local economy, including property values.
In 2005, when the medical training functions were moved, the initial economic hit was around $42 million, with the long-term impact felt across the city, including the housing market. If the base’s presence were reduced or eliminated, Wichita Falls could see a drastic decrease in both real estate demand and property values.
Building Community Around Sheppard
What struck me most in my conversation with Glenn was the deep sense of community he spoke about. Sheppard is not just a base—it’s a vibrant, international community that contributes to the local culture. Glenn shared that many veterans who served at Sheppard choose to settle in Wichita Falls, making the city their home long after their military careers have ended.
There’s something special about a community that welcomes and supports its veterans, and Glenn spoke with pride about the 3,000 veterans who call Wichita Falls home. “When people choose to stay in a place like Wichita Falls, it speaks volumes about the strength of that community,” he noted.
Current Projects and How You Can Help
Glenn outlined the current initiatives that SMAC is working on, including the T-7 acquisition, the Child Development Center at Sheppard, and the wind farm issues affecting flight training. Tim helps to tie these issues to local engagement, highlighting how the community can help through contributions to SMAC’s financial campaign.
Every three years, SMAC runs a fundraising drive to support its operations, and Glenn emphasized that donations of any size are appreciated. Whether you can give $10 or $10,000, every penny helps ensure the continued success of Sheppard Air Force Base and its role in our community.
The Path Forward: Ensuring Sheppard's Future
In closing, I was truly honored to have Glenn Barham on the show. His passion for Sheppard Air Force Base and the Wichita Falls community is evident, and his leadership at SMAC is making a lasting impact. As Glenn said, “We’re not just advocating for the base; we’re advocating for the future of this community.” That statement resonates deeply with me, and it should with all of us.
A special thanks to our talented team behind the podcast production for helping bring these impactful conversations to life, making sure we deliver important insights to our listeners every week.
If you want to learn more about how Sheppard Air Force Base impacts our community and what you can do to help, connect with us today. Stay involved, stay informed, and be part of ensuring the future of Sheppard and Wichita Falls.
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