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Team Tinker helps tribe celebrate veterans

  • Published
  • By Kandis West
  • Tinker Air Force Base Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  Courage is almost a contradiction because it means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die, English literary critic G.K. Chesterton once wrote.
   Team Tinker helped the Muscogee Creek Nation celebrate the courage and sacrifice of their military veterans July 12 in Okmulgee.
   552nd Air Control Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. James Foltz and 72nd Air Base Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Phillip Cherry, and, along with 30 Tinker Airmen participated in the parade and dedication of the Muscogee Veteran's Museum and Office Building.
   "Our dedications are a sacred event. It is the blessing, meaning and spirit of the building and the Airmen were sharp and absolutely outstanding," said Mr. Ken Davis, Muscogee Creek Nation director of Veteran Affairs.
   Team Tinker Airmen assisted in the preparation and organization of the parade, despite 3.5 inches of rain in one-and-a-half hours, Mr. Davis said.
   "It was a great experience for the Airmen to meet the veterans that have gone before us. We got to see some of our heroes," Chief Cherry said.
   Mr. Davis said the Muscogee Creek Nation has a long history of military service.
   "Our service to the U.S. dates back to pre-civil war," he said. "We were fighting before were citizens." 
   He also said he was glad his tribe and Tinker were able to forge a bond and they look forward to a continued relationship.
   "We are extremely thankful for the Airmen and we look forward to working closely with Tinker Air Force Base," said Chief A.D. Ellis, leader of the Muscogee Creek Nation.
   Mr. Davis said construction on the veteran's building began last December and will be complete in November. The grand opening will be Nov. 8.