Airman, Lt. go to Washington with commander Published May 21, 2009 By Howdy Stout Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The last time Senior Airman Alvin Taisague reported to the commander's office he was given a week to pack his bags for deployment, only to have the mission cancelled at the last minute. This time, he had a month to prepare and there was no chance of cancelling the mission. This time, Airman Taisaque was going to Washington. Along with 2nd Lt. Kerianne Noel of the 72nd Contracting Squadron, Airman Taisaque joined 72nd Air Base Wing Commander Col. Allen Jamerson and Chief Master Sgt. Eric Harmon for the base leadership's annual visit to Oklahoma senators and representatives in Washington, D.C. The trip provides Tinker's leaders a chance to interact with the state's national representatives. In turn, the base commander, although not obligated, gives a junior officer and airman the chance to make the trip as well. The three-day trip would prove to be a turning point for the young Airman. "The trip came at a very focal point of my career," Airman Taisague explains. "I decided to remain in the Air Force because of this trip." Nearing the end of his four-year enlistment, Airman Taisague said he considered separating from the service. But, he said, his chance to meet some of America's veterans and national leaders changed that. "We had a chance to talk to some World War II vets," he said. "At Tinker, you don't get to talk to them much. One gentleman told me, 'I went in a boy, went to war, and whether I wanted to or not, I came out a man.' It was a sobering experience." Airman Taisague said talking to some of America's Greatest Generation made him reexamine his own military service. The experience reinvigorated him and caused him to renew his commitment to the Air Force and to his country. "My perception of the military has changed after this trip," he said. "The picture is a lot clearer for me." Lieutenant Noel, too, felt the sober reality of military service when the group toured Arlington National Cemetery. Although a native of the Washington, D.C., area, she viewed the nation's capital through different eyes during the trip. "One of the first unscheduled things we did was visit Arlington Cemetery," Lieutenant Noel said. "It's the first time I've been there since I joined active duty, so I viewed it with a different perspective. Being there provided a concrete image to go with the value of service before self and the idea of sacrifice." Both were impressed with the visit to the nation's capital and with the Air Force's relationship with lawmakers. "I had no idea how organized the Air Force is when it comes to facilitating dialogue with Congress," Lieutenant Noel said. Airman Taisague said he was impressed with how much interest Oklahoma's national representatives had in Tinker and the opinions of the average Airman. "It was a good opportunity," he said. During the tour, Lieutenant Noel said she gained a better understanding of how the contributions the air base makes extend beyond the mission at Tinker -- things important enough to be on the minds of the Congressional delegation. Tinker is one of only three Air Force air logistics centers and is home to several unique military formations. "When people tell us that what we do on a daily basis matters, that's not just a platitude," she said. "This was an opportunity to see that firsthand." For both Airman Taisague and Lieutenant Noel, the experience of visiting the nation's capital left a lasting impression. "This has been a great opportunity to grow as an officer and I feel very privileged to have been selected," Lieutenant Noel said. "An awesome experience," agreed Airman Taisague.