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Airmen devote time to tidying up air park

  • Published
  • By Nicole Turner
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Two organizations on base joined to create a new program called Air Park Clean-Up.

Network 56, a professional organization for staff and technical sergeants, and the Junior Enlisted Council, a group that provides a supportive link between all enlisted members who belong to the airmen tier, came together to begin cleaning up the Air Park, located on Air Depot Boulevard on the west side of the Base Exchange.

Staff Sgt. Eric Silva, electronic warfare instructor in the 373rd Training Squadron and a representative of Network 56, said the Air Park, along with the new Air Depot Gate, are two of the most visible aspects of Tinker and even represent the "face" of the base.

"You want (the Air Park) to be aesthetically pleasing to people who are coming into the brand new gate (Air Depot)," Sergeant Silva said. "The cleaner the Air Park, the more maintained and manicured it is, the better it will present Tinker as a whole."

The new program launched April 1. More than 70 volunteers involved with Network 56 and the JEC worked on the basic up-keep of the Air Park by pulling weeds and picking up trash.

"Nothing is better than Airmen and NCOs and other people of Tinker to help clean up," said Airman 1st Class Codi Walach, president of the JEC and materiel manager in the 552nd Maintenance Operations Squadron.

The groups will continue with the program at least every quarter, and possibly once a month.

"I'm very impressed, as well as we all should be, with the outstanding teamwork and Tinker pride displayed by these Airmen," said 72nd Air Base Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Vegas. "These airmen and their professional organizations are always willing to volunteer, take the lead and get involved, not only on base but in the community as well."

Sergeant Silva and Airman Walach said the Air Park Clean-Up program also is an excellent opportunity for mentoring; allowing NCOs to work with younger airmen and encouraging them to get involved and help make Tinker a better place.

"It's going to help us become better leaders," Airman Walach said.

Network 56 meets every second Wednesday of each month from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Ivory Lounge inside the Tinker Club. The JEC meetings are every third Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Latté Lounge in Loop Hall. Sergeant Silva and Airman Walach encourage those interested in either of the two groups to attend the next meetings.