Tinker group makes life-changing improvements to local resident's home Published April 18, 2008 By Amy Schiess Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Protocol TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- One Midwest City resident's home is more secure and comfortable than it has been in years thanks to the work of more than a hundred Tinker Management Association volunteers. The volunteers repaired Ms. Carolyn Dickerson's home through the Rebuilding Together National Rebuilding Day April 12. "This was a Godsend," Ms. Dickerson said as she sat on her front porch and watched workers carry away her front door. "It feels wonderful." Volunteers made extensive repairs, said Ms. Stacie Hardin, team captain for TMA's Rebuilding Together project. Workers installed new carpet, replaced all exterior doors, installed a new garage door opener, replaced the windows, repainted the interior and exterior, repaired fencing, built an outdoor ramp, and more. The home fell into disrepair after Ms. Dickerson was hit by a forklift at her job of 27 years and was unable to continue working. The accident left her in a wheelchair for a while and now she uses a cane to help her get around. "I almost lost everything, but I was bound and determined to keep my house," she said. "But keeping it and maintaining it is a different thing." Volunteers reversed those years of damage, mostly in a single afternoon. But in addition to the repairs made April 12, workers spent several days the week before installing duct work in the attic to replace the heating and air ducts in the foundation that had collapsed. John Bishop, 76 AMXG/QAA, helped with that project. This is the second year he has been involved with Rebuilding Together. "We have lots of challenges, but it shows what we can do in one day," Mr. Bishop said. "I'm so appreciative of the volunteers. These guys and gals are just super." Ms. Dickerson agrees. After four recent break-ins which caused costly damage to her home and where she lost a lawnmower she had saved two years to buy, she describes the work day as "almost like a miracle." Ms. Hardin said the look on the homeowner's face makes all the preparation and hard work worth it. "They don't have the money or the manpower to do this," she said, her voice rising above the whir of power tools in the background. "They want to do it, but just don't have the resources. We couldn't make this happen without thoughtful, caring individuals who are generous with their time; and that is the type of volunteers we have at Team Tinker."