Families, children key issue for chief of staff

Support for families -- especially in the area of child education -- is a pressing issue for the military. That was the message from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and two other service chiefs and other service representatives here in July for a panel discussion focusing on issues

People-focused commander retires

"The Air Force has afforded me the opportunity to meet people," explains Col. Jim Eilers, commander of the 72nd Mission Support Group. "It's amazing the people you meet along the way and the relationships you build." Col. Eilers' career spanned the globe and after 33 years, many of the people met

A new place to call home

Navy maintainer creates his own solution to a common problem

Kevin Hart is the "go-to" guy for maintenance issues on the Navy's E-6B aircraft. Solving problems is what he does. That's because he is the government's only field service representative for the E-6B Mercury aircraft of reconnaissance squadrons VQ-3 and VQ-4 stationed at Tinker. Along with the

Home again

Becoming 'Team Tinker'

Team Tinker marathon organizers spent time in Café 3001 July 15 assisting military members and Department of Defense civilians as they signed up for the annual Air Force marathon, which takes place Sept. 19 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Those unable to make the July 15 event still have

Nordiques ground Jets, 5-3

The Tinker Nordiques have rebounded from two early-season losses to post a modest four game unbeaten streak. This success continued July 12 at the Blazers Ice Centre with a 5-3 victory over the league-leading Jets. "Our team is starting to gel as a unit and this could be a very special season for

Sooners battle, defeat Northrop Grumman

The Sooners added a little extra warmth to the air July 9 as their bats heated up on the softball diamond en route to a doubleheader sweep of Northrup Grumman, 27-17 and 17-7. The Sooners scored 12 runs in the top of the first inning. The hit parade was led by left fielder Shawn Farber and Jeramy

Teams needed for annual boat regatta

The eighth annual Cardboard Boat Regatta will be held Aug. 1 at the Gerrity Pool. Those who would like to participate in this year's event must submit entry forms by July 30. There is no entry fee and entry forms are available at Outdoor Recreation in the Services Mall, Bldg. 478, and online at

Spouse orientation program set for July 28

The military spouse is a unique individual. They join the military without having to take an oath, their spouses deploy for months on end and they pack their entire house and move to points unknown. All of this begins by falling in love with someone in the military. New military spouses can be