Final chapter written for TLDA Published May 20, 2011 By Brandice J. O'Brien Staff Writer TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- After 64 years and several name changes, the Tinker Leadership Development Association retired May 19. The final meeting wasn't a time of sadness, but rather a reflection and celebration. Better known as the Tinker Management Association, or TMA, the organization promoted education, mentorships and networking among Tinker's workforce. Its members were also active in the local community and continually worked to strengthen the bond by participating in volunteer projects. "The Tinker Leadership Development Association has done amazing things for thousands of people at this installation from providing scholarships for continuing education to creating mentoring opportunities for the workforce to engage with senior leaders," said Wade Wolfe, TLDA president. "Through Rebuilding Together, we have helped hundreds of families by renovating their homes. The feeling of accomplishment is overwhelming when you help deserving families in the community surrounding Tinker and the impact to the families is felt for years. Rebuilding Together changed lives. TLDA has always fulfilled our core mission but change is inevitable." Despite the organization's rich history, the club is retiring because of waning interest in activities and a significant reduction in membership. Mr. Wolfe said roughly 10 years ago, the organization had upwards of 2,000-plus members. Yet, these days there are approximately 150 members. The drop in membership can be accredited to the introduction of new associations that don't require membership dues and are sponsored at the command level, or the change in rules in which organizations can publicize events using email. Last year, in an effort to revitalize the organization, members changed the direction of the club's focus and the name - from Tinker Management Association to Tinker Leadership Development Association. It didn't work. "It pained me," Mr. Wolfe said. "After 64 years, there was this icon that was the part of the very fabric of installation and I didn't want to let it go." But, the organization wasn't going down in vain. Since Gen. Fred S. Borum founded the club in 1947, TLDA has given more than $130,000 in scholarships, hosted prominent guest speakers which included former governors and senators, and participated in community-wide volunteer efforts. "Just the exposure TLDA gave people is invaluable," said Elizabeth Dutton, first vice president and former president. "It gave the opportunity to network with other people and at one time there were no other avenues for that kind of opportunity." The club will be missed. "This is an important part of Oklahoma City culture," Mr. Wolfe said. "It was inspirational to me to have the honor to participate in something bigger than me. TLDA was shaped by the leaders and leaders were shaped by TLDA." Ms. Dutton agreed. "TMA/TLDA has been a part of my life for the majority of my Tinker career," she said. "I have made lasting friendships and am humbled to have had the opportunity to serve and lead such an inspiring organization. The legacy that this organization leaves behind is very rich indeed and the leaders of Tinker -- past, present and future -- are the better for it."