Clovis area has much to offer

Commentary by Col. Babette Lenfant

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE — To be honest, when we first learned about our new assignment to Cannon, we had to look up on the Internet where Clovis was. This is probably not unique to our family, but an easy way to learn a lot about eastern New Mexico. While we were a little apprehensive about a move from a large Northern Virginia suburb near Washington D.C., we were also cautiously excited about the prospects of a small-town atmosphere, a new mission for the base and a part of the country we had never seen.

Our first week here consisted of finding Wal-Mart and Lowes and an awesome rodeo. What a combination! An immediate and striking difference from the hustle and bustle of Washington, we received a tremendous welcome offered by local town folk, from the simple “good mornings” entering any store, to the small conversations while waiting at the checkouts, to the obviously improved highway etiquette. When people from Clovis find out you just moved to the area, they seem to offer generously any information you need, if you just ask with a smile. It’s a nice feeling, not seen around D.C.

What else have we noticed? There really is a lot to do in the area if you just get out and do it. We’ve heard people say they are bored, but maybe the word just isn’t getting out on the numerous activities in the area, including activities highlighted in the Airman and Family Readiness Center’s pamphlet, or the wide variety of excursions scheduled by Services. Granted, some require a little driving but joining forces with friends and doing these activities as a group greatly simplifies the logistics. In fact, we recently returned from a weekend camping with a group of five other families at Sumner Lake and everyone had a great time, in spite of a couple of rain showers.

The bottom line is if you don’t get out and explore you will probably continue to believe there isn’t much to do, but if you get out and see what’s out there you may be pleasantly surprised with lots of alternatives. After exploring our area, you can be a great source of information to new personnel on what to do. So set your mind to it and get out there and explore...get’r’done. You won’t regret it!

Col. Babette Lenfant is the 27th

Mission Support Group commander.