TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- (Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of commentaries laying out the priorities of the 72nd Air Base Wing Commander.)
Teammates, I rolled out my priorities at the beginning of this year and one of my key priorities is to Empower and Strengthen Airmen and Families. The year is not over, and the work is not finished. We must stay laser focused on our Air Force’s most critical asset – our Airmen. Airmen are our competitive advantage and will drive the change to prevail in Great Power Competition.
We are dedicated to developing our Airmen through robust training and leadership programs.
We must also continue to transform the leadership development, mentorship, and continuous education to prepare leaders to lead Airmen in the context of Great Power Competition.
People make it happen and they are without a doubt the most important when it comes to executing a mission. If our Airmen are worried about their families, that takes away from the mission, so we must also ensure we do our best to support the family’s well-being.
We provide robust mental health and wellness services, multiple fitness facilities, and a variety of recreational activities to promote well-being and resilience. Our family support initiatives, including high-quality childcare, educational resources, and community events ensure that our Airmen and families thrive.
Workloads are going to increase significantly at Tinker over the next decade. We are focused on recruiting and hiring the best and brightest. As we expand our recruiting reach across Oklahoma and beyond, this will bring on a diverse workforce. We must embrace our differences—we are stronger together. A diverse and inclusive culture is not optional – it is imperative, and it helps propel our workforce into the future. We continue to work in lockstep with our community to advocate for our mission and our people.
The surrounding community here at Tinker is truly remarkable – as we like to say: “The best communities make the best bases,” and Tinker is a true national asset. We have strong programs like our Honorary Commanders program, that allow civic leaders to take a peek into our missions here on Tinker and also provide opportunities to assist our active duty members and spouses.
As we continue to prepare for Great Power Competition, I am confident in the efforts we are pursuing to empower and strengthen our Airmen and families. Together, we will rise to any challenge and ensure our nation remains strong and secure.
I am proud to be your teammate. #TinkerStrong.