Waist deep in volunteerism Published July 1, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Devin Boyer 17th Training Wing Public Affairs SAN ANGELO, Texas -- Goodfellow Air Force Base volunteers returned to the Showdown in San Angelo Super Nationals drag boat race at Lake Nasworthy to give back to the community June 27. The annual event hosts hydro drag boats that reach speeds up to 250 mph in a liquid quarter mile race. The roaring engines brought in thousands of spectators, and the volunteers ensured the show could go on. “The community here is so supportive of us,” said 1st Lt. Chelsea M. Connolly, 315th Training Squadron student. “I think it’s nice to give back and be supportive of them as well by lending a hand and volunteering once in a while to show that we care about the place that is hosting us.” Goodfellow members managed recycling, directed traffic and even stood waist deep in the water loading boats into Lake Nasworthy. “I helped put the boats in the water and take them out,” said Doug R. Burdette 17th Training Support Squadron network technician. “This is the neatest job here. You get to be in the water staying cool when it’s hot outside. You get to put your hands on these beautiful boats and make sure they don’t get damaged. The racers appreciate it and we just enjoy it.” Burdette has volunteered at the boat races for seven years, and never tires of it. “The air just shakes, the water shakes, your body shakes,” he said. “It’s so intense. It’s just amazing the amount of power in these motors. “It’s fun for everybody out here; it’s a great thing for San Angelo.” Over 50 Goodfellow volunteers assisted with the boat races, aiding in the continued partnership of the base and the community of San Angelo.
