Tinker coordinating event honoring original ‘Rosies’ Published Sept. 20, 2013 By Brandice J. O'Brien Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald dominated the 1940s airwaves. Gene Autry and Roy Rogers sang in films. The United States government implemented a rationing system. Men went off to war and women went to work. World War II hit the country hard, but its citizens persevered, eventually bringing about social change. Tinker personnel would like to honor the women, the original "Rosie the Riveters," who worked supporting the war effort or sustaining the local economy between 1942 and 1945, with an upcoming luncheon. The event is still in the planning stages, but its invitee list is open to Tinker personnel whose grandmothers or great-grandmothers supported the effort. "Right now we're just fishing; trying to see if there's interest. This is an opportunity to find out what their grandmothers and great-grandmothers did during World War II," said Constance Harrison, point of contact for the event. "'Rosie the Riveter' is much larger than a female mechanic. Women became railroad engineers, postmasters, firefighters. They did whatever job needed to be done." Since 1998, Tinker has hosted three "Rosie the Riveter" luncheons. The first one, held at the Officers' Club attracted 125 original "Rosies." "It was so precious and so wonderful," said Ms. Harrison. "Their enthusiasm was unbelievable; very little gets them down." To suggest a "Rosie" or request more information, email Ms. Harrison at constance.harrison@us.af.mil by Oct. 1.