Hundred attend Tinker Dining Out June 19

Published June 27, 2008
By Danielle Gregory
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Tinker members and those in surrounding communities gathered together the evening of June 19 to celebrate the joint efforts between the business community and the Tinker family.
   The Tinker Dining Out is a special military function that first took place 35 years ago at a meeting between the President of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Edward Cook and Commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at the time Maj. Gen. James G Randolph. The theme of this year's dining out was "Tinker and Oklahoma... Leading the Way."
   "The generous spirit of the people of Oklahoma has always been one of our greatest assets. They provide us with dedicated workers, give support to our Airmen and their families and help us to fulfill our mission," said General Reno. "The future for Tinker Air Force Base remains strong and vibrant thanks to the dynamic partnership we share with the people of Oklahoma."
   The official party of the night consisted of Lt. Gen. John Regni, Superintendent, United States Air Force Academy; Oklahoma Lieutenant Govenor Jari Askins; former Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys; Maj. Gen. Loren Reno, OC-ALC commander; . John Over, OC-ALC executive director, OC-ALC; Brig. Gen. Judith Fedder, 76th Maintenance Wing commander; Brig. Gen. Lori Robinson, 552nd Air Control Wing commander; Scott Reynolds, Air Force Global Logistics Support Center director and Oklahoma County Commissioner Ray Vaughn.
   "The largest single site employer in Oklahoma, Tinker has played a significant role in our economy. It generates an economic impact of between $3-4 billion per year and provides 26,000 jobs. We as a community recognize Tinker's significant role and over the years have fought to protect and enhance it," said Mr. Humphreys.
   The evening began with the posting of the colors, national anthem, and benediction. The honor guard also demonstrated the POW/MIA table. The table is set up in honor for those still missing in action in every branch of the military. From there the evening continued on with several trips to the grog by well known Tinker members.
   "What makes Tinker Air Force Base so special is that they always stand ready to service this community, they place service above self. How fortunate our community is that we have this valued partnership," said Mr. Humphreys.
   Guest speaker General Regni is also a 1973 graduate of the USAFA.
   "Your Air Force is in this fight everyday as we have been for the last 17 years and Tinker has been in the fight everyday. Bottom line is together we are saving Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airman's lives in helping win this all important war," said General Regni.
   General Regni continued on to outline the major affects that the AF as a whole has over the nation and the strategic direction of the AF.
   He explained, "Everyone's assigned duties are important to the mission, every Airman's. Whether you're a cop, a co-pilot, a cook or a contractor, all must perform their duties with laser focus and keen attention to detail knowing you're accountable for that end result."