Tinker, community come together at annual dinner, 9001 takes center stage Published May 27, 2010 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 2010 Tinker and Community Dining Out May 14 had a sense of historical flair. Held in front of the 76th Commodities Maintenance Group's "Commodity Country" in Bldg. 9001, the black-tie affair gave military and community guests a unique look into Tinker's mission. Sponsored by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, the annual event pays tribute to the Tinker community for its continuous support and sacrifice. The gala followed traditional protocol, encouraging guests to practice "rules of the mess" or face the "grog," a punch concoction. Guests also listened to featured speaker, retired Gen. Gregory "Speedy" S. Martin. But, the 37th annual affair also offered firsts: a facility tram tour and introduced "Rosie the Riveter," based on the cultural icon. The general addressed approximately 400 guests about challenges facing the Air Force work force, professionalism, taking initiative and the qualities of an outstanding leader. The modern Airman, military and civilian, face many challenges in their day-to-day jobs and their commitment is "amazing," said General Martin, who retired from the Air Force in 2005 as commander of the Air Force Materiel Command. He compared work challenges that are often out of our hands to earthquakes and how they can lead to tsunamis. The general said there are issues that the military and public sector deal with every day, such as budget constraints, manpower reductions, mission growth, reorganization, personnel churn. While the military faces these issues on a daily basis, some people forget that we also have been putting our people in harm's way, General Martin said. "Add in 20 years of conflict, turbulence, war, training and all the things that we do to make sure our people downrange have what they need to be successful, and you folks have had a lot on your plates." The general said. "And yet, if you talk to somebody downrange about the Airmen deploying forward, there isn't anyone that doesn't want an Airman on their team. Those are your people, your team." The general said those people are professionals -- they serve an organization, have special skills and talents, are bound by rules, and hold themselves accountable. Professionals also have the ability to think for themselves and brainstorm solutions to problems. The general said, oftentimes people are quick to point out problems, but don't offer solutions. He suggested offering solutions. "Everyone has to solve problems," he said. "Don't wait, take the initiative." Tinker is a prime example of "taking initiative." During his visit to the base, he said he saw Bldg. 9001 and Bldg. 3001 personnel in action performing their duties, "making things better." Professionals, the general said, are developed by leaders, who encourage, inspire and challenge. Leaders have the ability to build up their people or tear them down. The general gave examples of both situations, by talking about an experience from his childhood in which he saw a "beloved" Army private berated by his superior. He also told the story of how his father, a colonel, inspired fellow dining-out guest, retired Maj. Gen. William P. Bowden, former Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center commander. From those two stories and a story about his early Air Force days, the general said, "there are three things to keep in mind and never violate. Never violate an individual's sense of trust, their sense of dignity and never violate their sense of hope. It's a tough environment, but you're professionals and when you treat each other with the sense of trust, dignity and hope, and when you listen down to understand the problems your people face and then talk up the chain with mission-based facts and potential solutions, you will prevail."