Tinker spouse group makes education impact Published April 22, 2014 Tinker Officers' Spouses' Club TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Tinker Officers' Spouses' Club awarded 14 scholarships to military spouses and high school seniors who are dependents of the military or civilian workforce at Tinker Air Force Base in a ceremony April 9 at the Tinker Club. The recipients' accomplishments, volunteerism and strong work ethics were rewarded as they received funds to continue to pursue higher education. Dr. Pam Deering, Mid-Del superintendent of schools and the guest speaker for the day, asked the recipients, "How many people does it take to make a difference?" She encouraged them to look back on who they have impacted in their lives, and to look forward to what they can do to better themselves and their communities. "Honor this club's gift today by living their motto, to 'Care, Share and Give,' because in answer to the question, it only takes one person to make a difference," Dr. Deering said. Three high school scholarships were sponsored by outside organizations: Tinker Federal Credit Union, In Memory of Bertha Becker (decades-long member of the TOSC and Thrift Shop volunteer) and First Command. Each presenter encouraged their recipient to strive to continue the success they have shown through high school and to continue on the path of excellence and service. The funds for the 11 TOSC scholarships come from the donations and income generated by the Tinker Thrift Shop. In addition to the scholarships, more than $5,000 was donated to other charitable causes in the Tinker community, including the Latté Lounge, Operation K.U.D.O.S., Tinker Elementary School, local Boy and Girl Scout troops, JROTC, Operation Homefront and the Key Spouse Program. These donations would not be possible without the hard work of the entire TOSC, and the Thrift Shop volunteers. Two Thrift Shop volunteers were honored at the luncheon with the Volunteers of the Year Award. Marie Knick, the donations coordinator, and Ronda Christian were highlighted by the Thrift Shop manager, Valerie Dietrich, for their extra efforts throughout the year. Closing the luncheon, Col. Christopher Azzano, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander, thanked the TOSC for its support of the base community and "of our spouses and students looking to improve themselves through higher education." He encouraged each of them, citing future fruits of their labors. "The path to greatness in the United States is through our children and education," the colonel said. "Those who seek higher education can look forward to a 40 percent higher earning potential, better health with less likelihood of smoking or chronic illness, and a 93 percent job satisfaction rate." Spouses who received scholarships include Jenna Bryant and Karen Woods. Student scholarship recipients were Abigail Baker and Alexus Carroll from Norman North High School; Alanah Hosford, Choctaw High School; Bryan Lilley, Edmond North High School; Taylor Nguyen, Classen School of Advanced Studies; Patricia Truong, Moore High School; Thuc-Nghi Truong, Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics; Stephanie Vo, Westmoore High School; Ethan Whiteley, Edmond Sante Fe High School; Rachel Wood, Harding Charter Preparatory; Brent Hollrah, Deer Creek High School; and Ryan McCabe, Edmond Memorial High School.