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Tinker hosts annual Retiree Appreciation

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Retiree Appreciation Day June 26 attracted more than 300 guests.

Held at the base theater and base chapel, retired military members from the various services came to hear about updates in benefits and services offered at Tinker. Others came to see Lorraine Caddy, a retired Air Force chief master sergeant, accept the Retiree of the Year award.

Maj. Gen. David Gillett, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center commander, was the keynote speaker.

General Gillett took the stage to brief guests on the state of Tinker and the Air Force. Following an explanation of the missions and priorities of the two entities, the general talked about accomplishments within the OC-ALC and future expectations and hopes.

"In depot maintenance, we've managed to lean processes, reduce our flow days and increase our quality in the past year. " the general said. "That's not bad and we are on a path to continue that level of performance. I'm pretty happy with how the mission is going."

General Gillett also touched upon the future of Bldg. 9001, new workloads that have come to the center and issues - KC-X developments, F-35 aircraft and the F135 engine workload, and remotely piloted aircraft and engines - facing the Air Force as a whole.

"I'm positive and upbeat," the general said. "We have a great workforce, good infrastructure and a great community that supports what we do here, our mission, our people and you are certainly a part of that."

Both the general's speech and the event were well received.

"General Gillett was fantastic," said Earl Wade, 72nd Logistics Readiness Squadron deputy director who served more than 25 years in the Air Force and retired as a master sergeant. "I see it every day in LRS, but for the retired outside, who aren't aware of what happens here and what we do every day for the Airmen, the speech was very effective, promoting the ALC, Air Force and national defense."

Hollis Edgar, a retired Air Force master sergeant who served for 20 years, agreed.

Having driven to Tinker from Terlton, west of Tulsa, he said he'd been coming to the annual event for the past 10 years and appreciated the information available, saying the event was informative and has improved.

"We are dedicated to deliver on the Air Force's promise to continue to provide the best care and quality of life possible to our Airmen and their families," said Col. Scott Merrell, 72nd Air Base Wing vice commander, welcoming attendees at the base theater. "That commitment extends beyond retirement, and is non-negotiable in my mind.

"We honor our retirees for a multitude of reasons - of course for your selfless devotion to duty in time of war and peace that affords us the liberties of today," Colonel Merrell said, "but also because so many of you continue to support the installation by volunteering in places like the clinic and our military personnel flight, continuing to contribute your time to help others access the services we're talking about today."