By Jillian Coleman, 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs / Published October 16, 2017
Military Working Dog Kali and handler Staff Sgt. James Stiegler, 72nd Security Forces Squadron, perform a routine demonstration to a crowd during the 3rd annual Heritage Day celebration, commemorating the 75 years of partnership between the city of Midwest City and Tinker Air Force Base. Sergeant Stiegler and his MWD execute different techniques which show off the capabilities of the dog’s ability to attack on command. MWDs are well trained in drugs, weapons and explosives detection as well as protecting their handler and safeguard the installation. In the bite suit is Senior Airman Andrew Rivera, the newest handler in the K9 Section. (Air Force photo by Jillian Coleman)
Steadfast partnerships benefit Tinker Air Force Base and the community it has called home for the last 75 years.
The third annual Heritage Day celebration was held Oct. 7 at the Atkinson Heritage Center in Midwest City to recognize the illustrious 75th anniversaries of Tinker Air Force Base and the city of Midwest City. Celebrating the strong and historic partnership, the full-day event included pony rides, face painting, petting zoos, musical entertainment and food trucks.
Representing the installation was the 72nd Security Forces Squadron, who rolled out with a HUMVEE static display as well as Military Working Dog demonstrations.
A milestone reached through collaborative efforts, strategic planning and a dedicated work force, Midwest City and Tinker AFB’s 75 years have endured the trials and reveled in the triumphs and accomplishments. Through setbacks such as the infamous fire that destroyed much of Bldg. 3001 in 1984, the community support has never wavered.
As Oklahoma’s largest single-site employer with an annual economic impact of $3.7 billion, Tinker employs nearly 30,000 personnel and indirectly creates an estimated 30,000 jobs. With such a tremendous presence in Midwest City, the installation incessantly works in conjunction with its host to ensure continued progression and development.
With a desire to continue the legacy and ensure the expansion of the base, the city of Midwest City also participates through events like Tinker and the Primes. The three-day symposium brings prime contractors, small businesses and government agencies to network and share needs and capabilities of one another. All towards delivering better combat power for the warfighter.