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~The FReeper Canteen Presents~ Road Trip: Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma 
Tinker Air Force Base is a major U.S. Air Force base located in Oklahoma City, near the suburb of Midwest City, Oklahoma. Tinker is the home of the Air Force Materiel Command Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center (OC-ALC) (FHZ) which is the worldwide manager for a wide range of aircraft, engines, missiles, software and avionics and accessories components. The host unit at Tinker is the 72d Air Base Wing (72 ABW) which provides services and support for the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center and its tenant organizations.  
General Clarence L. Tinker (1887-1942) was an airman of Osage Indian ancestry who lost his life during World War II while on a combat mission during the Japanese attack on Midway Island in the Pacific, June 7, 1942. Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is named in his honor. 
In the fall of 1906, Tinker enrolled at Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri. Upon graduating from Wentworth in 1908 Tinker was commissioned a third lieutenant in the Philippine Constabulary.
He received his commission as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army infantry in March 1912. After infantry training, Tinker joined the Twenty-fifth Infantry Division at Fort George Wright in Spokane, Washington. During World War I, Tinker served in the Southwestern United States and California, and was promoted to Major. In 1919, Tinker began flying lessons. Shortly thereafter, he transferred to the Army Air Corps, and on July 1, 1922, he was assigned to flight duty. In 1927, he was named Commandant of the Air Corps Advanced Flying School at Kelly Field, Texas. Tinker commanded various pursuit and bombardment units during the 1930's. He was steadily promoted, and on October 1, 1940, became a brigadier general.
After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Tinker was named Commander of the Air Forces in Hawaii to reorganize the air defenses of the islands. In January 1942, he was promoted to Major General, the First American Indian in U.S. Army history to attain that rank. In June 1942, the Japanese began their assault of Midway Island. In the midst of the Battle of Midway, on June 7, General Tinker decided personally to lead a force of early model B-24s against the retreating Japanese naval forces. Near Midway Island his plane was seen to go out of control and plunge into the sea. General Tinker and eight crewmen perished. His body was never recovered.
Tinker Air Force Base has more than 26,000 military and civilian employees and is the largest single-site employer in Oklahoma. The installation covers 5,033 acres and has 760 buildings with a building floor space of over 15,200,000 square feet. 
The 72nd Air Base Wing provides base installation and support services for the OC-ALC and 45 associate units assigned to six major commands, including the largest flying wing in Air Combat Command, the Navy's Strategic Communications Wing One and several defense agencies. More than 1,600 military personnel and 1,500 contractors work within the 72nd Air Base Wing. Read More About Tinker Air Force Base Here!
FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT~Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allies military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before.
Please remember: The Canteen is a place to honor and entertain our troops. The Canteen is family friendly. Let's have fun! We pray for your continued strength, to be strong in the face of adversity. We pray for your safety, that you will return to your families and friends soon. We pray that your hope, courage, and dignity remain unbroken, so that you may show others the way. God Bless You All ~ Today, Tomorrow and Always |
