Tinker LOA chapter wins national award for third time Published Nov. 2, 2012 By Brandice J. O'Brien Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Logistics Officer Association Tinker Crossroads Chapter recently earned serious bragging rights. Last month at the LOA National Symposium held in Washington, D.C., the chapter won the 2012 Lt. Gen. Wetekam Large Chapter of the Year award. The award is presented to a chapter of at least 70 members that supported LOA national objectives and innovative programs, and provided community support. This year marks the third time the Crossroads chapter won the award; the unit had previously won in 2008 and 2009. "This award means we have the best membership and surrounding community in LOA National," said Capt. Daniel McGuire, chapter president. "We would not have won this award without the outstanding support of our members, partners and friends in the community." Outgoing chapter treasurer Kathryn Stringer agreed. "There is so much work that is constantly needed to be done to keep a large chapter like ours up and running. It takes a lot of volunteers and participation," she said. "This award is a big deal because it embodies in LOA hard work, effort and a sense of community." Tinker's Crossroads Chapter is open to Air Force officers and civil-service logisticians stationed at Tinker or residing in the Oklahoma City area. It allows them to interact and share their stories with one another in a face-to-face atmosphere and participate in local events. Captain McGuire said the chapter also strives to enhance the mission and vision of Tinker by discussing strategic and tactical issues critical to Team Tinker and the Air Force. "As an organization with more than 300 members, we can support and promote many local events on Tinker. Within our community, we form year-long partnerships with schools and service organizations we seek to serve," he said. "I am in LOA because I love learning and using that knowledge to make a difference in myself and those around me. The Logistics Officer Association has provided me the opportunity to do this successfully." Jo Jasper, civilian professional development chair and outgoing chief information officer, agreed. "Tinker's Crossroads Chapter has provided me a great opportunity to broaden my knowledge base through tours with civilian companies and military agencies, to attend senior leader briefs and great opportunities to give back to the local communities by volunteering with various programs and projects," she said. The LOA National organization was formed in 1999 and has more than 3,200 members around the world. Its roots were inspired by the Maintenance Officer Association, which was founded in 1982. By altering the name of the organization, 17 years later, the group now invited officers from supply, transportation logistics plans and contracting disciplines to be a part of the group. The chapter's next event will be the second annual Senior Statesmen Panel at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 14 at the Tinker Club. Call Capt. Chris Clark at 734-6608 for information.