Tinker group full of E.L.I.T.E. Wingmen Published March 25, 2011 By Nicole Turner Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Since the inception of E.L.I.T.E. in the summer of 2010, members of this growing community service organization on Tinker have found themselves not only helping others outside of the group, but also benefitting one another. This has led them to be better wingmen. Empowerment. Loyalty. Inspiration. Teamwork. Equality. -- That is what the organization represents. Each week, members gather to assist people on base by providing child care for the Enlisted Spouses Network or by volunteering in the dormitory's Latté Lounge on the weekends. They also have helped outside the base at places like the Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Regional Food Bank and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The group has grown from nine members to currently about 25. All of them have various reasons for joining, but the ultimate common factor is because they simply want to help others. "E.L.I.T.E. is awesome. I'm glad that it's grown to the height that it has," said Airman 1st Class Tiheisha Bolles, who works in the 72nd Operations Squadron. "It was originally a way for people outside of your career field to get together, and then it just evolved from there. Initially I didn't think we'd grow to be this big. We've done a lot so far and we're pretty well known now." Airman Bolles was one of the first to join E.L.I.T.E. after the founder, Airman 1st Class Kristopher Gooden, approached her with the idea for the group. She now holds an officer position as the director of operations. The members of E.L.I.T.E. are consistently building up and encouraging one another. Airman Bolles said the officers of the group often check on the other members, just to see how they are and if they need anything. "We kind of have that network where if we do need help with something, we are there to help each other outside of just being able to volunteer and do the fun things. We've made a friendship within (our group)," Airman Bolles said. Airman 1st Class Autumn Murphy, from the 552nd Training Squadron, joined E.L.I.T.E. soon after it began. "I've always felt like it's important to help out others. The most rewarding aspect is a sense of personal satisfaction," Airman Murphy said. "Not only do we help off base, but we help out within the Air Force and people like ourselves. It gives you a big sense of satisfaction to know you are helping people just like you." Airman Murphy emphasized the importance of working as a group to support specific causes. "It gives you a sense of closeness. That makes you a better wingman; being close to your peers," Airman Murphy said. Members of E.L.I.T.E. have been focusing on team-building events -- such as bowling as a group or playing paintball or laser tag -- to bring them closer together as well. Airman Murphy said the team-building events are rewarding because everyone can get to know each other better. "If you are a closer-knit group, you are going to work better together," she said Airman Murphy recently learned that she may be leaving Tinker for Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. She said she will be sad to leave E.L.I.T.E., but she's excited about the possibility of introducing the group on another base and continuing to do her part as a great wingman. "There have been points in my life where people have helped me so much. I know it means more than you can express," Airman Murphy said. "When you help someone else out, that could make their day. You are putting out positive vibes on people, and that can't do anything but help."