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Leaders, Airmen travel to Washington

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Two Tinker Airmen recently ventured to the nation's capital for a one-of-a-kind experience.

With Col. Allen Jamerson, 72nd Air Base Wing and installation commander, and 72nd ABW Command Chief Master Sgt. Eric Harmon, they discussed Tinker issues with Air Force and Oklahoma representatives. 1st Lt. Christina Bell and Senior Airman Quinton Green said it was a worthwhile experience.

"Washington, D.C., is the concert hall of political America, and being inside the capitol building to visit legislators is akin to having a backstage pass," said Airman Green of the 72nd Medical Support Squadron, who had been to the capital once before as a teenager. "I took away with me a refreshing sense of the shared impact that we all have in our service. If we make it our goal to remain positively in rhythm, the engines will roar and the mission will soar."

During their three days in the capital, the Airmen visited the Pentagon and Capitol Hill. They met with the secretary of the Air Force Legislative Liaison office, four military legislative aides and Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe. They discussed Tinker's current and future military construction projects and quality-of-life issues.

"The main objective was to touch base with them, keep them informed with what we're doing on Tinker and to ask for their support on our projects and programs," said Lieutenant Bell of the 72nd Operations Support Squadron, who was previously stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Va. She had visited the capital several times. "They were extremely professional and really interested in what is going on at Tinker."

Airman Green agreed.

"Stepping away from it, I have a better understanding of how important it is at even the lowest level - an airman - that I have to do my job and do it professionally because it will, in some ways, reflect on the Air Force," he said.

The Airmen also toured the capital and with Chief Harmon, saw the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery.

"It was extremely cold, windy and rainy; we got soaked," Lieutenant Bell said. "It was an awesome experience and the one thing Airman Green and I really had to see. It was about all the people who had been there before us. It was a big part of our military history that we had to see for ourselves."

Airman Green agreed.

"It was so symbolic of what we do in the military and also, it honors everything that has been done for us that got us to where we are today," he said.

The Airmen were nominated for the annual trip by their group leadership and ultimately selected by Colonel Jamerson and Chief Harmon.

Colonel Jamerson said they were looking for an officer and enlisted member who are stellar and dedicated performers within their job and the local community.

"It's inspiring to see future leaders like Lieutenant Bell and Airman Green's eyes get opened to a whole other world that's so important to how our nation runs," the colonel said. "I think they will take that education and be much better informed leaders. I think that will benefit them and our Air Force down the road. They really walked away with the 'wow' factor."

Chief Harmon agreed.

"It's a great joy for me to experience the excitement of the members we take to D.C.," the chief said. "They get a greater perspective of the Air Force and how our local communities, state representatives and installation leadership play a role in the political process to further the Air Force's mission."